Funeral service for Lonnie C Gillespie, Jr will be 10:00 am Monday, November 13, 2017 in the Ladusau-Evans Chapel with Rev. Carrel Still officiating. Burial will be 2:00 pm in the Canton Cemetery, Canton, OK. Arrangements are under the direction of Ladusau-Evans Funeral Home.
Lonnie was born October 29, 1930 in Anderson County, S.C. to Lonnie C and Lessie (Gore) Gillespie and passed away Thursday, November 9, 2017 in Enid, OK. He was raised in South Carolina. He enlisted in the US Air Force July 1948, where he was stationed at Vance Air Force Base, Enid, OK. He was discharged and retired in 1968 as Master Sgt. After retirement he worked for Northrop at Vance AFB in aircraft maintenance until his retirement in 1992. He was instrumental in creating the Static Aircraft Display at Vance AFB. Lonnie married Elsie L Beaver on December 17, 1950, in Blaine County on the family farm. He was a member of Willow Road Christian Church, the DAV, The American Legion, Enid Masonic Lodge, Enid Shrine Club, Scottish Rite, Antique Car Club, and a lifetime member of the NRA.
Lonnie is survived by his wife, Elsie; daughter, Peggy Anderson and husband Doug of Wildwood, MO; three grandchildren: Michael Gillespie of Yukon, OK, Kristin Terpstra and husband Ben of Coralville, IA, and Lauren Arnet and husband Jim of Ballwin, MO; two great grandchildren, Sammie Arnet and Branwen Terpstra; two sisters, Margaret Cockrell and husband Jack, Betty Gillespie; sisters-in-law, Marie Gillespie and Alice Gillespie.
Lonnie was preceded in death by his parents; son, Mark Gillespie; five brothers and four sisters.
Memorials may be made to Woodring Wall of Honor with Ladusau-Evans Funeral Home serving as custodians of the funds.
Condolences may be made online and the service may be viewed online at www.ladusauevans.com .