Duane P. Gillespie

Duane P. Gillespie, age 84, of Battle Creek died peacefully and went to be with his Lord & Savior on Saturday morning, December 24, 2016. He was born in Galesburg, Michigan on June 22, 1932, the son of Paul O. and Lucille (Shafer) Gillespie. Duane faithfully served his country as member of the United States Army from 1949 to 1953. Duane worked for many years as a machinist at Hydreco in Galesburg and then as Director of Maintenance at McCamly Place.

Duane married Eleanor M. "Ellie" Simpson at the First United Methodist Church of Hickory Corners on July 10, 1954; she sadly preceded him in death on May 2, 2012. He is survived by his son, Ed (Teresa) Gillespie of Battle Creek; two grandsons, Bill (Justine) Gillespie of Battle Creek and Nik Gillespie of Tennessee; a great-grandson, Nikolas Gillespie, Jr; a sister, Margaret Chambers, and two brothers, Richard (Judy) Gillespie and Dean (Abby) Gillespie.

A true handyman and outdoorsman, Duane enjoyed wood working, fishing on Fine Lake, wintering in Florida and taking trips to Las Vegas. Duane loved spending time with his family, but most especially his grandsons, Bill and Nik.

The family will receive friends 1:00 to 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, December 27, 2016 at the Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care, Richland Chapel where funeral services to celebrate Duane's life will be held at 2:00 p.m. with Rev. Karl N. Strenge of Redemption Lutheran Church, officiating. Interment will follow at East Hickory Corners Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please consider making donations to the Redemption Lutheran Church "Open New Doors" Fund. www.farleyestesdowdle.com.