Donald "Whitey" Gillespie

Donald “Whitey” Gillespie, 84, of Ligonier, IN passed away on Wednesday morning, November 3, 2010 at his residence.

Mr. Gillespie was born on March 23, 1926 to Russell and Helen (Ponko) Baker in Noble County, IN. He married Rosemary Prucinsky on August 6, 1949, she survives.

Whitey was a lifetime area resident. He worked for Wirk Garment Factory after returning from the service. He then went to work for Superior Sample in Ligonier where he worked over 40 years as the Maintenance Superintendent until his retirement. He retired as Fire Chief from the Ligonier Fire Department in 1993 after over 40 years of service, 27 of which were served as Chief.

Mr. Gillespie graduated from Cromwell High School and served his country in the United States Marines from 1943-1947. He was a life member of the NRA, American Legion Post 243 in Ligonier, Ligonier VFW, Ligonier Elks, and a past member of the Indiana Volunteer Fireman Association.

Survivors include his wife, Rosemary Gillespie of Ligonier; three sons, Stephen Gillespie of Houston, TX, Michael (Melissa) Gillespie of Whiteland, IN, Christopher (Penny) Gillespie of Ligonier, IN; ten grandchildren, Daniel Gillespie, Benjamin Scott, Kevin Sheley, Adam (Mackenzi) Gillespie, Tyler Gillespie, Rachel Gillespie, Scott Gillespie, Kaitlyn Pergrem, Alley Pergrem, and Alex Gillespie; seven great-grandchildren; two sisters, Dorothy McFarren of Ligonier and Denise (Lowell) Galloway of Kendallville, IN. He was preceded in death by two children, Tina Smith in 1979 and Robin Pergrem in 1993, his parents, and one infant grandchild, Eric Michael Gillespie.

A viewing will be held on Friday, November 5, 2010 from 2-8 PM & 1 hour prior to the Funeral service to be held Saturday, November 6, 2010 at 11AM at Yeager Funeral Home in Ligonier with Pastor Jean Ness officiating. Burial will be in Oak Park Cemetery in Ligonier with military graveside honors.

Memorial Contributions are to The American Cancer Society- P.O. Box 22718, Oklahoma City, OK 73123 or The Noble County Humane Shelter- P.O. Box 471, Kendallville, IN 46755.