Samuel Gillett

 

November 25, 2021



Samuel Dale Gillett, 87, was born Dec. 26, 1933, on the family farm north of Esbon, Kan. He died Nov. 13, at the hospital in Superior. He was the fourth child of David Clayton and Nellie Shagley Gillett.

He attended country schools and graduated from the Esbon High School in 1951. He worked on the family farm one year and then went to York College in Nebraska to play football for two years. After it closed, he went to Westmar College in Iowa. This was cut short as he was drafted into the Army. He returned home to the farm in 1957, after the death of his father in December 1956. He remained on the family farm the rest of his life, adding to and improving it. He was proud of the fact that the farm has remained in the family since 1883, and a son and son-in-law are still farming this land today.

He became a good bowler in his spare time, winning many championships. It was where he met his future wife, Alyce Vacha Hutson. They were married Sept. 15, 1973, and he became a father to her two boys. They added seven more children. Sam took great pride in his children and enjoyed celebrating their many accomplishments.

After semi-retiring from farming, it was his idea to go on tours to see the country. Something full-time farming had not allowed. He and Alyce enjoyed seeing most of the United States, especially Alaska. They were privileged to cruise the Danube River in Europe. Together they also went to National Senior Bowling Championships. At the age of 81, he won the championship in his age group.

Early in his life, Sam accepted Christ as his Savior and this remained important to him the rest of his life. He instilled these values in his children. He attended Union Chapel, a church which his great-uncle gave the land for. He remained active in it serving as Sunday School Superintendent until it closed. He transferred his membership to the Esbon Community Church and remained faithful in attendance until going to the hospital.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and brothers, George and Jay.

Surviving are his wife of 48 years, Alyce; sons: John Hutson of Downs, Jim Gillett of Esbon and David Gillett

of Neodesha, Kan.; daughters, Mrs. Dennis Olson (Susan) of Lakeville, Minn., Marcia Gillett of Prior Lake, Minn., Mrs. Jon Bonebrake (Carrie) of Berryton, Kan.; Mrs. Cody Brassfield (Janell) of Phoenix, Ariz.; Mrs. Scott L’Ecuyer (Victoria) of Valley Center, Kan. and Mrs. Brett Walker (Beth) of Esbon; grandchildren; and a sister, Mary Bottger of Belleville.

His funeral will be at 11 a.m., Saturday, Nov. 27, at the Esbon Community Church with Rev. Rod Rose officiating. Interment will be at the Highland Cemetery.

Visitation will be from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., Friday, at the funeral home with

the family present from 5 to 7 p.m.

 

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