Richard "Rick" Gillespie's Obituary
Richard “Rick” Gillespie, age 72, of DuQuoin, IL passed away on Wednesday, May 14, 2025, at 11:00 p.m., in his son’s home surrounded by his loving family.
Richard was born on April 2, 1953, in DuQuoin, IL, a son to Andrew “DeDe” Cleo and Etta (Claybrook) Gillespie. On July 1, 1974 he married Ruby Jean Huhges in Elkville, IL. He later married Maxine Mason in 1982 in DuQuoin, IL and then married Darnella Bostic in DuQuoin, IL on April 2, 2004, and she survives him. Rick worked in the coal mines for eight years and then worked as a forklift driver for Gilster Mary Lee for several years before becoming a stay-at-home grandpa. Richard loved spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren. He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.
He is survived by his wife, Darnella Gillespie of Henderson, TN; one son, Harvey (Brandy) Gillespie of DuQuoin, IL; two daughters, Tracey Gillespie of Murphysboro, IL, and Makyra Gillespie of Bloomington, IL; one brother, Andrew Cleo (Sereatha) Gillespie of DuQuoin, IL; three sisters, Jeanine Baxter of DuQuoin, IL, and Grace Simmons of Chicago, IL, and Pamela (Smith “Butch”) Cunningham of Wisconsin; seven grandchildren, Aleece Gillespie, Chelsie Gillespie, Bryce Gillespie, Taron Cocke, Carmari Lindell, Mikah Gillespie, and Masen Gillespie; several great-grandchildren; and all of his loving nieces, nephews and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Cleo and Etta Gillespie; five brothers, two sisters, some brothers and sisters in law, several nieces and nephews, and two dogs, Buddy and Socks.
A memorial service will be held at Pyatt Funeral Home, DuQuoin, IL, on Friday, May 23, 2025, at 11:00 a.m., with Howard Baxter officiating.
Visitation will be held at Pyatt Funeral Home, DuQuoin, IL, on Friday, from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m.
Memorial donations may be made to the family.
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