William Howard Gillespie

Ogden - William "Bill" Howard Gillespie, 86, went to live with his Lord on Monday, August 27, 2018. Bill was born January 16, 1932 in Urbana, IL to James and Jean (Summers) Gillespie. He married the love of his life, Sally Jo Maden, on December 5, 1954. He attended Philo and Muncie, IL grade schools and Gresham, OR high school, where he was ranked #1 in the state for cross-country track. He served in the Korean War in the United States Army. Bill was also a Boy Scout leader. He enjoyed bowling and was an avid Chicago Cubs fan. He loved animals and enjoyed going for rides in the country with Jo. He was a big teaser and enjoyed making people smile. Bill worked at the Champaign Post Office for many years and at the University of Illinois. He retired in 1999. Bill is survived by his wife of 64 years, Sally Jo (Maden) Gillespie, his daughters, Jeri Lea (Jim) Buckley of West Valley, UT, Peggy (Bruce) Jarrett of Lapel, IN, Antoinette (Harold) Halterman, and Billie Jo (Jim) Kaden, and his son, Rick Gillespie. He is also survived by 8 grandchildren, 4 step-grandchildren, 6 great-grandchildren, and 9 step-great-grandchildren. Bill is also survived by 1 sister, Judy Hildahl, and best friend, Jim Cambron. He was preceded in death by his parents, 1 brother, 1 sister, and 1 grandson. A celebration of Bill's life will be held at 12pm on Saturday, September 1, 2018 at Ogden United Methodist Church, 105 W. Main St., Ogden, IL 61859. Memorial visitation will be held prior from 11am-12pm at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Bill's name to CARA - No Kill Animal Shelter, 609 E. 5th St., Tilton, IL 61833 or to the family through Sunset Funeral Home. Please join his family in sharing memories, photos, and videos on his tribute wall at sunsetfuneralhome.com.