Representative William Riley Gillette View All Years

WILLIAM RILEY GILLETTE

Mr. Speaker: Your committee, appointed to prepare a suitable resolution commemorating the life, character, and public service of the late Honorable William Riley Gillette begs to submit the following Memorial:

William Riley Gillette was born March 19, 1924, near Fostoria, Iowa. He was the son of Lester and Cecilia Murray Gillette. He married Doris Morningstar in 1949.

Mr. Gillette graduated from Milford High School and Iowa State University. He served in the U.S. Army Air Corps in WWII. He was awarded the Air Medal, WWII Victory Medal, European African Middle Eastern Campaign Medal, and the American Campaign Medal. Due to the Korean Conflict, Riley was called back to duty with the Air Force where he was in the Navigation School and the Bombardment School until his discharge. Mr. Gillette raised sheep, fed cattle, and crop farmed until retiring in 1991.

Mr. Gillette was a lifelong member of the St. Joseph Catholic Church and member of the Knights of Columbus.

A Democrat, Mr. Gillette was a member of the Sixty-first General Assembly.

Mr. Gillette died July 25, 1999, at the age of 75. Survivors include his wife, Doris Gillette of Spencer, Iowa; a daughter, Corinne Peterson of Milford; two sons, Michael of West Des Moines, Iowa, and Charles of Lake Park, Iowa; six grandchildren, two brothers, Dr. John Gillette of Tucson, Arizona, and Dr. Charles Gillette of Milwaukee, Wisconsin; three sisters, Mary Maurer of Spencer, Iowa, Rita Gillette of Astoria, Oregon, Frances-Mrs. Jack Neuzil of Solon, Iowa; as well as other relatives and friends.

Now Therefore, Be It Resolved by the House of Representatives of the Seventy-eighth General Assembly of Iowa, That in the passing of the Honorable William Riley Gillette, the State has lost an honored citizen and a faithful and useful public servant, and the House by this Resolution would express its appreciation of his service.

Be It Further Resolved, That a copy of this Resolution be spread upon the Journal of the House, and that the Chief Clerk be directed to forward an enrolled copy to the family of the deceased.

MARCELLA FREVERT

RUSSELL EDDIE

DOLORES MERTZ

Committee