Lester Harold Gillett, 89, passed away Thursday, May 7, 2015 at St. Peters Hospital after a short illness. Surrounded by his family he passed quietly, returning to his Heavenly Father and Family members who preceded him.
Lester was born on May 11, 1925 to Gertie (O’Neil) and Ora Gillett in Stanberry, Missouri. Lester was the ninth of 10 children, the youngest of six boys in the family. He spent his formative years in Missouri going to school and working on the family farm. In September of 1943 he began service in the U.S. Navy in WWII, being discharged in March of 1946 with the rank of Seaman 1st Class. In November, 1945 Lester married Betty D. (Strong) in Seattle, Washington. After Lester’s discharge from the Navy they located in Livingston, Montana where Lester developed his trade as an automobile mechanic, working at the Ford dealership. In 1956 Lester joined the National Park Service in Yellowstone Park where he was a master mechanic and heavy equipment mechanic until his Park Service retirement in 1980. In 1981 Lester and Betty moved to Island Park, Idaho where Lester groomed snowmobile trails for several years. In 1989 Lester and Betty began spending their winters in Arizona and summers in Island Park. In 1993 they purchased a home in Townsend and began spending their summers there. In 2003 they built a new home in Townsend and that became their full time residence. After Betty passed away in 2008 Lester stayed in their Townsend home until he moved to Helena in 2014, taking up residence at Hunters Pointe Retirement Community until his passing.
Lester is preceded in passing by his parents, seven of his siblings, his wife Betty, one grandchild (Jason Gillett) and one great-grandchild (Lilly Grace Jones). He is survived by two sisters (Florence and Carol Ruth), three sons: Terry (Brenda), Gilbert, AZ; Lynn (Evelyn), Great Falls, MT and Jim (Linda), Clancy, MT., nine grandchildren, sixteen great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandson.
The family of Lester would like to offer special thanks to Amanda and Betty of Home Sweet Home Health Care, and Dr. Weiner and the Staff of the Cancer Center and Oncology Unit.
Viewing for family and close friends will begin at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, May 10 at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Ave. Funeral Services with full military honors will take place at the at Montana State Veterans Cemetery Memorial Shelter at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, May 11th. Memorials in Lester’s name are suggested to the Yellowstone Park Foundation, 222 East Main Street #301, Bozeman, MT 59715.
Bill Harris says
Sorry to hear about your Dad. School sure seems a long way off. I remember taking cars to the shop to your Dad. Bill
Lorna says
It is so sad that Les is not with us anymore…but he is now with the love of his life, Betty. I had the opportunity to know Les and be involved in so many times shared together. I will miss you Less, you were always so gracious and receiving. I enjoyed those little chats you and I had when you called me and meant to call Lynn!! Love you Les…..
Ron Gillett & Family says
Sorry to hear of Uncle Lester’s passing. Sending our condolences. He was a good man and will be missed.
Rebecca Kelch Mitchell says
So sorry to hear of your father’s passing. Our hearts and prayers are with you. Les and Betty were our neighbors. This is his reunion on the other side of the veil. Love, Brother and Sister Mitchell