Gillett, Clifford W. – 1923-2008

DANIELS, DYDELL, FERGUSON, GILLETT, HACKATHORN, MOORE, PANKAU, PORTMAN, RANSDELL, SLIFER, SVACH, TOWNSEND, TURNER, WINCHELL

Posted By: JCGS Volunteer
Date: 11/22/2008 at 17:56:28

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. — Clifford “C.W.” Gillett, 85, of St. Joseph, Mo., passed away on Friday, Nov. 14, 2008, at a health care center in Newton.
Cliff had a great sense of humor and always wore a genuine smile. His family was the joy of his life. He worked hard and was proud of his accomplishments. He will be missed.
Cliff was born on May 7, 1923, to Horace and Goldie Gillett in St. Joseph, Mo. He served in the United States Army during World War II, where he received the Good Conduct Medal and the Philippines Liberation Ribbon with two Stars. He worked for Quaker Oats for 40 years, retiring in 1986.
Cliff was a very active member of the Maxwell Heights Presbyterian Church, where he served as a trustee and elder. He was proud to belong to the Quaker Oats Old Timers Club. He was active in the RWDSU local 125. He held various Union leadership positions throughout his career. He was also a talented furniture and cabinet maker.
He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Gene Gillett; one sister, Lucille Pankau; two sons-in-law, Richard Ferguson and Patrick Portman.
He married Elsie L. Slifer in 1946 in St. Joseph. She survives of the home.
Additional survivors include his children, Steve (Susan) Gillett, Cheryl Portman, all of St. Joseph, Mo., and Carol Ferguson and Pam (Darrell) Hackathorn, all of Newton; 12 grandchildren, Angie Townsend, Steve Gillett, Chris Dydell, Ray Dydell, Michele Ferguson, Jennifer Ferguson, Megan Portman Moore and Trevor Portman; four step-grandchildren, Jessie Winchell, Melissa Ferguson, Sara Ransdell and Courtney Turner; 17 great-grandchildren; two sisters, Christine Svach of East Lake, Ohio, and Darlene Daniels of Columbus, Neb.
Services will be at 4 p.m. today, Nov. 18, at Heaton-Bowman-Smith & Sidenfaden Chapel in St. Joseph, Mo. Mr. Gillett will be cremated following the service.
The family suggests memorials to Hospice of Jasper County.
Source: Newton(IA) Daily News; Tuesday, November 18, 2008