March 22, 1944 – Feb. 24, 2025
A Funeral Mass of Resurrection was celebrated by Father Jeff Polasek, at Saint Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Sallisaw, at 1 p.m. on Saturday, March 15, 2025, for Clarence Ray Gillespie, 88, of Sallisaw. Mr. Gillespie was born on March 22, 1944, in Tulsa to Bessie Lou McGowan and Clarence Hyrons “C H” Gillespie. He passed away on Monday, Feb. 24, 2025, in Sallisaw.
He married Donna Marie Steele in 1965 at Saint Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Sallisaw.
He was a 1963 graduate of Sallisaw High School and enjoyed attending school reunions. He served in the 122nd Air National Guard Unit of the U.S. Air Force in Fort Smith, Ark. from 1964-70. He was an avid horseman, racing in three states, and an active coon hunter, participating in sanctioned hunts all over the country. He retired from the Oklahoma Department of Transportation after 30 years as a highway inspector and asphalt specialist. He was a member of Saint Francis Xavier Church.
Survivors are his wife of 59 years, Donna of the home; daughter, Dawn Edwards and husband Jeff of Roland; sons, Shawn Gillespie of Sallisaw, and Clinton Cato and wife Robbie of Vian; several grandchildren and great-grandchildren; two sisters, Gayle Holdburg and husband Greg and Shelly Guidotti and husband Edo of McKinney, Texas; and many other relatives and friends.
