Louis L. Gillette

Louis L. "Lee" Gillette, Jr. 61, lifelong Rockford resident, was born into eternal life following complications from pneumonia, at 10:20 p.m. on Thursday, March 10, 2011 in Missouri Delta Medical Center, Sikeston, MO. Born December 3, 1949, son of Louis L. Gillette, Sr. and Mary J. Korinke Gillette. Attended Auburn High School and continued his education at Rock Valley College. Viet Nam veteran of the U.S. Army. Employed as a driver for National Distributors Leasing since 2004. He had previously been employed for several years by Mid-States Screw Corp. where he had initiated their Quality Assurance Program and at one time had been the service manager for Frontier Ford.Lee was a very intelligent man who was the "answer man" for all of his family. He loved only Ford cars and was a master at anything mechanical. He was the role model, father figure and rock of his family. Survivors include his fiancé, Kathleen Park; former wife, Sue Gillette; grandson, Louis R. (Gillette) Boeke; sisters, Loraine L. Gillette and Leslie L. (Michael) Hipp; brother, Lane L. (Diane) Gillette; numerous nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins and good friend and neighbor, Gene Ball. Predeceased by his parents, son, Louis C. Gillette and sister, Lori L. Contreras.Funeral service at 2 p.m. Thursday, March 17, 2011 in Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, Mulford Chapel, 1860 S. Mulford Rd. with Rev. Bruce Main officiating. Burial in Arlington Memorial Park Cemetery. Visitation from noon until time of the service on Thursday. Memorials may be made to the American Lung Association. Express condolences and share memories at www.fitzgeraldfh.com.