Gilbert H. Gillette

Gilbert H. Gillette, age 95, of Battle Creek, MI, passed away on Sunday, July 2, 2023, with his loving family by his side.

Gilbert was born on April 4, 1928, in Jackson, MI, to the late Harley and Ruth (Kerr) Gillette. He graduated from Jackson High School in 1946 and University of Michigan in l951. He was drafted into the United States Army in 1951 and discharged from active duty in 1954, attaining the rank of Captain. He remained in the active reserves until April of 1962. Gilbert Worked for Gillette Ford and John Deere Sales, with his father from 1954 to 1961. He went to work for Auto Club of Michigan in 1961 as an insurance agent, retiring in 1992 after 31 years of service. He served on the Springfield City Council from April of 1969 until September of 1978, being selected as Mayor Pro-Tem for several years. He was a life member of Horton Lodge #293 of F.A.M. in Horton, MI. He belonged to the American Legion #298 in Battle Creek. He was a member of Marywood Country Club, serving as President for two years. He was a longtime member of First Wesleyan Church in Battle Creek, now Woodland Church Battle Creek Campus. He served on the church Military Committee and Hospital Visitation Program. He was also a member of Nettles Island Church, Jensen Beach, FL. Gilbert had great respect for the military and enjoyed volunteering on the Honor Guard, serving with Fort Custer National Cemetery since 2005. He enjoyed playing golf and doing crossword puzzles.

He was married to Carla (Brown) Crail on September 25, 1978. He is survived by his loving wife, Carla; children, Deborah  Morris of Battle Creek, Dawn (Del) Livingston of Terrell, TX, and  Johnathon (Jon) Gillette of Battle Creek; stepchildren, Catherine (Mark) Kreter of St. Joseph, and Mark Crail of Holland, MI; four grandsons, Michael Forman, Ben Lindsey, Nick Lindsey, Taylor Livingston; and two granddaughters,  Anna (Jon) Novetske and Staci (Tom) Casarez; and two step-grandsons, Kevin Kreter and Kristopher Kreter; and thirteen great-grandchildren. The family would like to thank the caring staff of Centrica Care Navigators for the loving and compassionate care they gave Gilbert.

Friends may visit with the family from 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, July 12, 2023, at Kempf Family Funeral and Cremation Services, 2838 Capital Ave SW, Battle Creek, MI 49015. Following the visitation, a memorial service will take place at 11:30 a.m. at the funeral home. Interment with military honors will follow at 1:30 p.m. at Fort Custer National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to Centrica Care Navigators or Woodland Church. Please visit https://www.kempffuneralhome.com to view the online obituary, sign the guest book, and leave condolences to the family. Please visit the funeral home for assistance with memorial contributions.