Howard LeRoy Gillespie, the son of Pierce and Lucille (Rightsell) Gillespie was born July 24, 1932 near Craig, Missouri. He passed away on Friday, February 2, 2018 at the Montgomery County Memorial Hospital, Red Oak, Iowa at the age of 85 years, 6 months and 8 days.

Howard was raised near Craig, Missouri and graduated from Craig High School in 1950. He began his career with Union Carbide Battery Company in Red Oak when he was 18 years old. Howard was united in marriage to Delores Jean Cary on September 20, 1952 in Red Oak, Iowa. Several weeks following their wedding, Howard entered the U.S. Army and served during the Korean War. After he received his honorable discharge, Howard returned to Red Oak and working at Union Carbide. Howard and Jean were blessed with three daughters: Sheryl, Monica and Barb. Howard retired from Union Carbide after 37 years of service. He enjoyed taking his girls fishing and mushroom hunting. Howard also loved to hunt, ride his bicycle, take walks and was an avid football fan. He was a past member of the Red Oak Elks Lodge.

Howard was preceded in death by his parents; son-in-law, Duane Bissen and brother, Don Gillespie.

Howard is survived by his wife of 65 years, Jean Gillespie of Red Oak, IA; three daughters: Sheryl Bissen of Grinnell, IA, Monica (Mike) Fine of Red Oak, IA and Barb (Erwin) Beals of Houston, TX; 4 grandchildren: Michelle (John) Adams, Scott Bissen, Craig (Tori) Bissen and Kaitlin Beals; 7 great-grandchildren; sisters: Pauline (Frank) Clark of Owatonna, MN and Evelyn (Joe) Craine of Forsyth, IL; brothers: Charles (Mary) Gillespie of Flippin, AR and Bill (Pauline) Gillespie of Mt. Pleasant, TX; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

May God bless his memory and give strength to those who mourn.

Visitation and Viewing with the family present will be held Tuesday evening from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Sellergren-Lindell-DeMarce Funeral Home.

Family Graveside Service with Military Rites will be held in Evergreen Cemetery, Red Oak, IA.

A memorial is being established in Howard's name for future designation.

Sellergren-Lindell-DeMarce Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.