Francis Gillespie

Mr. Francis Gillespie, 87, of Mt. Pleasant, IA, died Sunday, May 13, 2012, at his home. Open visitation will be held on Tuesday, May 15th, from 12:00 - 7:00 p.m. at the Olson-Powell Memorial Chapel where the family will receive friends from 5-7 p.m. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, May 16th at 1:30 p.m. at the Memorial Chapel with the Rev. Doug Darnold officiating. Burial will be in the Forest Home Cemetery with full military rites. Born in Adair County, Missouri on June 10, 1924, Francis Daniel Gillespie was the son of Albert V. and Letha D. (West) Gillespie. The family moved to Iowa when Francis was five years old. His formative years were spent in the Washington area where he attended country schools. On November 19, 1955, he married Trilla "Louise" Waterhouse in Lockridge, IA. Francis enlisted in the United States Army during WWII where he was stationed in Japan. Upon returning from his service he became a lifelong farmer. Always enjoying being outdoors, he loved doing yard work and gardening. His hobbies included painting, trips to Wal-Mart, attending the Midwest Old Threshers Reunion and draft horse pulls. Old western shows were a favorite, especially the "Lone Ranger". He always had a smile on his face and especially enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren. Survivors include his wife of 56 years, Louise; one son, Richard Waterhouse of Fairfield, IA; two daughters, Susan Frank and Sandra Messenger of Mt. Pleasant, IA; one sister, Beatrice Hesser of Coppock, IA; eight grandchildren, Jason (Kizzy) Waterhouse, David (Elizabeth) Hinkle, Patrick (Wendy) Hinkle, Danial Gillespie, Michelle Gillespie, Justin Frank, Athena Spicer, and Susan Ashloch; fourteen great-grand children; and many nieces and nephews. Preceding Francis in death are his parents; and three sisters, Pauline Hole, Alice Jones and Nellie Boese.