Earl Lee Gillette Jr. (86) passed away February 9 at 12:15am. He passed away peacefully with his wife by his side.
Earl was born and raised in Allegan, Mi. He married Patricia Lodge in 1957 and went on to have 3 boys. Earl worked as a machinist at Rockwell International for 30 years. Earl also worked for the Votech center providing transportation for participants in the Work First program and retired here after 10 years. Earl put a smile on so many people’s faces, and he cared deeply for his community. He always had a playful sense of humor. Earl was also a wood maker and built many different things throughout his life. Earl was a godly man and a church elder. He volunteered at the church in many ways, including helping out at the food pantry, mowing the church lawn, dressing up as Santa Claus and even building a life size nativity scene. Fishing was Earl’s favorite pastime. He found much joy and peace in his fishing boat. He fed at least 200+ people at Christ Community Church’s Fish Fries. He was given the nickname “fish whisperer” by his great grandchildren.
While fishing at Bear Lake in Bloomingdale in the late 60s Earl witnessed a small plane go down in the lake. After hearing yells for help Earl did not hesitate. He quickly turned his boat around from the shoreline to pull a woman from the water. The two on board both survived with Earl’s quick action.
Earl also participated in the Million Man March in the early 2000s. This march supported men in growing their faith and becoming more present, godly fathers and husbands.
He is survived by his wife, Patricia Gillette, his three sons, Scott(Sandra) Gillette, Joel Gillette, Kurt Gillette, his 6 grandchildren Jennifer(Dan) Einfeld, Matthew(Sarah) Gillette, Brooke(Kyle) Hunsbereger, Dustin Gillette, Brittany(Michael) Peters, Kyle Gillette, 17 Great Grandchildren, Aviela Einfeld, Asher Einfeld, Azalea Einfeld, Alliot Einfeld, Abriella Einfeld, Amelia Einfeld, Dyllan Gillette, Liah Gillette, Lillian Hunsberger, Amelia Hunsberger, Matilda Hunsberger, Elliana Hunsberger, Hunter Gillette, Colton Gillette, Madison Gillette, Allison Peters, Bradley Peters, his sister, Zea Gillette, brother Steven Gillette and many nephews and nieces.
Preceded in death are his parents Earl and Evelyn Gillette, his brother David Gillette and his grandson Justin Gillette.
Earl’s Memorial Service will start at 11:00 am with an hour visitation beforehand on Friday, February 21, in the Christ Community Church located at 3370 113th Ave, Allegan, MI 49010.
In lieu of flowers the family kindly asks for donations to Centrica Hospice or St. Judes Children’s Hospital in honor of Earl.
