1944
Frederic
2016
Frederic M. Gillette
June 14, 1944 — March 28, 2016
Frederic M. Gillette Jr., 71, of Augusta, died Monday, March 28, 2016, after a short illness. He was born on June 14, 1944, to Frederick Sr. and Jerrine Gillette of Albion.
A graduate of Albion High School, Fred enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and served his country as an air craft mechanic from 1962-1970, including being deployed to Vietnam for a one year tour of duty. Following his military career, Fred worked as an aircraft mechanic at the Michigan Air National Guard, Battle Creek, and retired after 20 years of service as a Division Chief for Air Force Cataloging and Standardization Center at the Battle Creek Federal Center.
Though he retired from his career at the Federal Center, Fred wasn't content to be idle. Extremely talented with a hammer, nails and other tools, Fred worked for a number of years as the technical director at the Barn Theatre in Augusta, as well as various theatres in the Marshall, Battle Creek and Kalamazoo areas. In addition to his expertise in technical directing and building sets, Fred was a beloved mentor and friend to the many apprentices who crossed his path at the Barn Theatre.
He met his wife, Sarah, while volunteering at the Marshall Civic Theatre and they were married there on September 1, 1984. Throughout their marriage, they shared a love of the theatre, which was obvious to anyone who knew them.
Survivors include his wife, Sarah; sons Frederick III (Joellen), Christopher (Marcie) and Eric; daughter Deborah Gillette Eberhard; 7 grandchildren, 4 great-grandchildren; his mother, Jerrine Gillette of Marshall; his sister, Peggy Domingo; nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, and a sister, Deborah Gillette.
The family will receive friends on Tuesday, April 5, 2016 from 4-7 p.m. at the Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care, Augusta Chapel, where a memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, April 6. Interment with full military honors will follow at the Fort Custer National Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Association and The Barn Theatre School of Advanced Theatrical Training. Personal messages for the family may be placed at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.
A graduate of Albion High School, Fred enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and served his country as an air craft mechanic from 1962-1970, including being deployed to Vietnam for a one year tour of duty. Following his military career, Fred worked as an aircraft mechanic at the Michigan Air National Guard, Battle Creek, and retired after 20 years of service as a Division Chief for Air Force Cataloging and Standardization Center at the Battle Creek Federal Center.
Though he retired from his career at the Federal Center, Fred wasn't content to be idle. Extremely talented with a hammer, nails and other tools, Fred worked for a number of years as the technical director at the Barn Theatre in Augusta, as well as various theatres in the Marshall, Battle Creek and Kalamazoo areas. In addition to his expertise in technical directing and building sets, Fred was a beloved mentor and friend to the many apprentices who crossed his path at the Barn Theatre.
He met his wife, Sarah, while volunteering at the Marshall Civic Theatre and they were married there on September 1, 1984. Throughout their marriage, they shared a love of the theatre, which was obvious to anyone who knew them.
Survivors include his wife, Sarah; sons Frederick III (Joellen), Christopher (Marcie) and Eric; daughter Deborah Gillette Eberhard; 7 grandchildren, 4 great-grandchildren; his mother, Jerrine Gillette of Marshall; his sister, Peggy Domingo; nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, and a sister, Deborah Gillette.
The family will receive friends on Tuesday, April 5, 2016 from 4-7 p.m. at the Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care, Augusta Chapel, where a memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, April 6. Interment with full military honors will follow at the Fort Custer National Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Association and The Barn Theatre School of Advanced Theatrical Training. Personal messages for the family may be placed at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.
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