Laurence Edward "Ed" Gillespie Obituary (1933 - 2020)

Retired Elwood Fireman Passes: Laurence Edward "Ed" Gillespie, age 86 passed away on March 21, 2020, at Bethany Pointe Health Campus in Anderson following an extended illness. Ed was born in Murphysboro, IL to Tony & Pauline (Garrett) Gillespie. Ed left this earth smiling at his loving daughter Ann until his last breath. Ed married Margie (Southworth) Gillespie on July 10, 1954, in Elwood. They were married over 48 years together until her passing on Oct. 2, 2002. Ed served in country in the United States Army and was stationed in Germany. After returning home he became an Elwood Fireman retiring from the Elwood Fire Department, State Plating and Steel Slitting. Ed enjoyed tinkering in his garage working on his trucks and cars. Ed & Margie liked flea markets, craft shows and antiquing. Ed also enjoyed his honky-tonk country music. Ed was liked by many and never met a stranger. If he could help someone he would. Ed & Margie had two children Ed Gillespie, Jr. who passed away on April 8, 1974 and a daughter Ann (Tom) Durr of Elwood. Sister, Lois Green of Elwood and several nieces & nephews. Special friends, Dwain Elsworth, Ron Wilson & Mary Litaker whom she always called Ed "Pappy". Ed will be very missed by all. Special thank you to the staff at Bethany Pointe, Christy Waymire, DJ, Nikki, Mary. Special friend Lori Crabtree & Jennifer Richards of Dunnichay Funeral Home. Ed is preceded in death by his parents, Tony & Pauline (Garrett) Gillespie, son, Ed Gillespie, Jr., brother, Louis Gillespie, sister and brother in law, Dee & Harvey Weatherford and brother in law, Ray Green and his part time dog Bear. Out of respect for personal and public safety. Visitation for immediate family members only will be from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM, Wednesday, March 25, 2020, at Dunnichay Funeral Home in Elwood. Private family services will follow with burial at Sunset Memorial Park in Elwood. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions are suggested to the Elwood Fire Department.