Raymond Clifford “Dutch” Gillett, of Abilene, passed from this world on Tuesday, March 8, 2011, he was 81. Raymond was a husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather.
Born Aug. 26, 1929, in Guthrie, Okla., Raymond was the third son of Earl and Irene Gillett. He graduated from Guthrie High School and joined the U.S. Air Force, serving in Korea in 1953. Raymond was married to Beverley Joyce Meeks of Big Spring, Texas, in December of 1952, and they had four children, Christina Ann, Paula Ruth, David Ray, and Kenneth Lee.
Raymond worked for Civil Service at Dyess Air Force Base for 23 years, retiring in 1979. After retirement Raymond looked for a good place to live for himself and his son Kenneth “Kenny,” and moved to Brownwood in 1983. After moving to Brownwood Raymond was married to Tobie Fuller Denton on March 5, 1986.
Raymond dedicated his life to the care of his son, Kenneth, the number one Brownwood Lions Fan, making sure “Kenny” had a full rich life. Kenneth will miss his Daddy.
He is survived by wife, Tobie Fuller Denton Gillett of Brownwood; his children, Christina Gillett of Brownwood, David Gillett and wife Donna of Hawley, Paula Beall of Abilene and Kenneth “Kenny” Gillett. formerly of Brownwood, now of Abilene; three stepchildren, Marvin Bill Denton Jr. and Caroline Ann Denton Calloway of Brownwood, Wes D. Denton and wife Christy of Santa Anna; grandchildren, Brian Weatherman of Austin, Christopher Weatherman and wife Amanda of Abilene, Amanda Gillett of Hawley, Rebecca Weatherman of Abilene, and Dusti Gillett of Hawley; 14 step-grandchildren; great-grandchildren, Scott and Emily Weatherman of Abilene, and Isaac Weatherman of Austin; 26 step great-grandchildren; three step great-great-grandchildren; cousin, Noladeen Cheney of Oklahoma City; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Raymond was preceded in death by his parents, Earl and Irene Gillett, and his brothers, Gene and R.L.
Pallbearers will be stepsons, Wes Denton and Marvin Denton Jr.; grandsons, Brian and Christopher Weatherman; and step-grandsons Daniel and Devan Denton.
Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, March 11, at The Hamil Family Funeral Home Chapel, 6449 Buffalo Gap Road in Abilene, with the Rev. Larry Stokes and the Rev. Rodney Watson officiating. Burial will follow in Central (Pulltite) Cemetery in Jones County. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. today at the funeral home.
Memorial contributions may be made to Meals on Wheels, P. O. Box 368, Brownwood, TX 76804.
Online condolences may be posted at www.HamilFamilyFuneralHome.com.
