John T. Gillespie

John T. Gillespie, age 94 years, a resident of Vienna, passed away Tuesday morning, November 21, 2023, at 1:25 AM at his residence, the Autumn Ridge Supportive Living Center. John was born May 17, 1929 in Belknap, Illinois. He was the son of Lloyd Gillespie and Blanche (Avery) Gillespie. On October 10, 1951, John was united in marriage to Geraldine Stonum at the Vienna First Baptist Church. She preceded him in death on April 17, 2008. John is survived by: three children – John David (his wife, Bonnie Sue) Gillespie, Debbie (her husband, Paul) Sikorski, and Donna (her husband, Rodney) Lovett all of Vienna; grandchildren – Mike Bird, Brian Bird, Valorie Taylor, Erica Lucas, Jason Buchanan, and Evin “Peanut” Betts; great grandchildren – Johnathan Bird, Logan Bird, Wyatt Bird, Shelby Mae Bird, Jason Taylor, Brianne Taylor, Elowen "Redbird" Lucas and Addison Buchanan; 2 sisters – Margaret Graves and Theresa Gray both of Vienna; a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends. In addition to his parents and wife, John was preceded in death by: a brother – Charles Gillespie; 2 sisters – Lena Bean and Mary McBride; and an infant sister – Blanche Ruth Gillespie. John was a U.S. Air Force veteran. He served during the Korean War era and was stationed in Alaska. He was honorably discharged with the rank of Staff Sergeant. John was a member of the American Legion Post # 306 in Metropolis, Illinois. John was a lifelong farmer and had also worked as a construction laborer. He was a 50+ year member of the Johnson County Farm Bureau. John was also the night superintendent at Southern Illinois Stone Co. at Buncombe for a number of years. John was a member of the Masonic fraternity. He was a 55 year member and Past Master of Vienna Masonic Lodge # 150 A.F. & A.M. John was also a 32nd Degree Scottish Rite Mason and a member of the Valley of Southern Illinois since 1970. John enjoyed reading. He was an avid outdoorsman, enjoyed cutting wood, mowing grass, and working on tractor restoration projects. John particularly cherished spending time with his family and many friends. Visitation will be held Saturday morning, November 25, 2023, from 10 AM until 12 Noon at Bailey Funeral Home in Vienna. Masonic rites will be conducted at 12 Noon under the auspices of Vienna Masonic Lodge # 150 A.F. & A.M. Immediately following the Masonic Rites, the funeral service will be held. Pastor Brian Lingle will officiate. Burial will be in the Vienna Fraternal Cemetery. Military graveside rites will be accorded by the Beggs-Gurley VFW Post # 5222 and the U.S. Air Force Burial Honors Detail. Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105-1905.

John T. Gillespie

May 17, 1929 - November 21, 2023