William G. Gillespie

William G. “Bill” Gillespie, 91, of St. Joseph, passed away Monday, December 14, 2015 at his home. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 11:00 A.M. Tuesday, December 22, 2015 at St. Joseph First United Methodist Church, 2950 Lakeview Ave., St. Joseph, with Rev. Harris Hoekwater officiating.  Friends may visit with the family from 5:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M. Monday, December 21, 2015 at Starks & Menchinger Chapel and Cremation Services, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph.  Burial will take place at Riverview Cemetery in St. Joseph at a later date.  Memorial Donations may be made to St. Joseph Public School Foundation or St. Joseph First United Methodist Church.  Those wishing to sign William’s Memory Book online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com. Bill was born June 15, 1924 in St. Joseph to Frank T. and Helen (Shoden) Gillespie.  He attended St. Joseph High School while working in the soda fountain room at Gillespie’s Drug Store. Bill graduated in 1942 and then proudly served in the United States Army in an Army supply and support unit in Europe during WWII. He returned home on December 23, 1945 and returned to work at the pharmacy the very next day.  Bill married the love of his life, Gertrude “Trudy” Klann on September 9, 1951 at St. Peter’s United Church of Christ in St. Joseph. He earned his pharmacy license in 1950 and worked as a pharmacist into his 80’s. Bill served the community on the St. Joseph City Commission from 1974-1993 and was mayor from 1990-1993. He was also on the Savings and Loan Bank Board and was the first recipient of the Distinguished Alumni of St. Joseph High School in 2012. William is survived by his wife of 64 years, Trudy Gillespie; children, Victoria Gillespie of St. Joseph, Robert Gillespie of San Francisco, CA, Thomas (Pam) Gillespie of Hagar Township; daughter-in-law, Anjum Aziz-Gillespie; grandchildren, Mariam (Alan) Aziz-Gillespie Robinson and Kim Aziz-Gillespie; as well as many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Frank Gillespie; and siblings, Collins Gillespie, Ruth Grootendorst, Thomas Gillespie, Robert Gillespie and Dick Gillespie.