Kenneth Ray Gillette

Kenneth Ray Gillette, the youngest of seven boys born to the union of the late James Edwin and Myrtle Alice (Maxey) Gillette, was born January 24, 1954 in St. Charles, Missouri where he attended school and graduated from St. Charles High School in 1972. After graduation, Kenneth attended North East Missouri State University (now Truman State), Kirksville. He graduated in 1976 with a BSE in Physical Education. While attending college, Kenneth met the love of his life, Terri Lynn Moore. They were united in marriage on May 17, 1975 in Chariton, Iowa. They were blessed with their first child in 1977, Vennissa, who was the “apple of his eye”. In 1984, their second child, James was born; their miracle baby because of a birth defect. After Kenneth graduated from college, he and Terri moved to Dixon, Missouri where she had been hired to teach. After various teaching jobs, Kenneth decided teaching was not for him and began working for the United States Postal Service in the late 1980’s. He worked out of St. Peters, Missouri until his retirement in 2006. In his spare time, Kenneth enjoyed collecting items; whether it was stamps, coins or antiques. He loved going to auctions and sales to find items. He was a loving son and brother and helped care for his mother and brother until they passed. Most importantly, he loved spending time with this family. Kenneth passed away Sunday, August 16, 2015 in his home having attained the age of 61 years, 6 months and 23 days. He will be sadly missed but fondly remembered by all those that knew and loved him. Kenneth leaves to cherish his memory, his wife, Terri Gillette of Waynesville, MO; one daughter: Vennissa Shaffer (Tom) of Richland, MO; one son: Jimmy Gillette of Waynesville, MO; two brothers: Larry Gillette of San Antonio, TX, and Wayne Gillette of St. Charles, MO; two grandchildren: Rebekah and Jacob Shaffer; other relatives and friends. In addition to his parents, Kenneth was preceded in death by four brothers: Don, Melvin, John and James Gillette. Funeral services were held at 5:00 p.m. Thursday, August 20, 2015 in the Memorial Chapels and Crematory of Waynesville with Rev. Christopher Hendrix officiating. Soloist Harold Bradshaw sang “His Eye Is on the Sparrow”. The songs “Spirit in the Sky” by Norman Greenbaum and “He Ain’t Heavy, He’s My Brother” by Neil Diamond were played. Memorial contributions can be made in memory of Kenneth Gillette to the Delancey Street Foundation, 600 Embarcadero Street, San Francisco, CA 94107 or may be left at the funeral home.

Kenneth Ray Gillette

January 24, 1954 - August 16, 2015