Obituary of W. Mitchell Gillespie

W. Mitchell "Mitch" Gillespie, 72, of South Coffyville, OK passed away Monday, March 23, 2015, at Coffeyville Regional Medical Center. He was born on March 7, 1943, at Coffeyville to Art and Lauretta (Frantz) Gillespie. Mitch grew up and attended grade school in South Coffeyville, his family moved to Coffeyville where he attended Field Kindley High School, he later took continuing education classes at Coffeyville Community College through his work at Funks. On September 15, 1964, he married Roxie Wilson at the First Baptist Church in South Coffeyville. Following their marriage they made their home and raised their children in South Coffeyville. Mitch was employed as a Machinist at Funk Mfg. Co. and later at John Deere Coffeyville Works for over 40 years until retiring. He was a proud member of the Cherokee Nation, and the U.A.W. In his spare time he enjoyed hunting, fishing, and gardening, he was an avid sports fan coaching youth baseball teams for many years, loved following the OU Sooners and St. Louis Cardinals. But most of all he loved spending time with his friends and family. Survivors include his wife, Roxie of the home; one son, Mike Gillespie and wife Missy of Kansas City, MO; two daughters, Shelli Richardson and husband Jacob of South Coffeyville, OK, and Marci Gillespie of Council Bluffs, IA; two brothers, Leon Gillespie and wife Pam of Broken Arrow, OK, and Gary Gillespie and wife Janie of Augusta, KS; one sister, Diana Walker of Broken Arrow, OK; and eight grandchildren, Jourdin, Jarin, Nick, Logan, Macalen, Cameron, Emma, and Kaedyn. He was preceded in death by his parents. A gathering celebrating Mitchell's life will be a potluck celebration from 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Thursday, March 26, 2015, at Gibbs Hall, 207 Broadway, South Coffeyville, OK, with Pastor Jimmy Harrington of Ridin' for the Brand Cowboy Church in Wann, OK officiating. Following Mitchell's request cremation has taken place. The family suggests memorials to the Cancer Center at University of Kansas Medical Center, or the Tatman Cancer Center at Coffeyville Regional Medical Center; contributions may be left with the funeral home or mailed c/o David W. Barnes Funeral Home, 306 North Cline Road, Coffeyville, KS 67337.