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Robert S."Bob" Gillespie, age 88, passed away on Saturday, August 23, 2003 at his home in Albuquerque, NM, where he was a resident for 54 years. Bob was born in LeMars, IA and after graduating from the public school system, attended Western Union College in LeMars. He graduated from the University of Illinois and later earned an advanced degree from the University of Iowa. He served in the US National Guard, followed by more than three years in the US Army. He was assigned to a Submarine Command serving overseas in the Mediterranean area and the Middle East. He was honorably discharged from the Army with an American Defense Service Medal and an EAME Campaign Medal with a Bronze Star Good Conduct Medal. Bob and his wife, Virginia moved to Albuquerque in 1949 when he became a member of the faculty in the Department of Journalism at the University of New Mexico. After several years with the University, Bob took a position with Sandia Laboratories as a Technical Writer. Following a fulfilling career, he retired from Sandia in 1977. He was preceded in death by his wife of 54 years, Virginia Fleck Gillespie of LeMars, IA and Dallas, TX. Other members of Robert's family to precede him in death were Dr. James B. Gillespie of Champaign, IL; and sisters, Katherine Troxler of California and Marion Templeman of New Mexico. He is survived by his daughter, Virginia C."Ginger" Gillespie and son-in-law, William"Biff" Thompson of Albuquerque; and son, Charles S. Gillespie and his wife, Frances of Stagecoach, TX. Also surviving are four grandchildren, Nathan and Kaleena Thompson of Albuquerque and Katherine and Rachel Gillespie of Stagecoach; nieces and nephews, Connie Coates, Kathy Watkins, John and Joan Templeman, and Bill and Barbara Templeman of Santa Fe, Ginger Troxler of California, James and Emily Gillespie of Florida, and Emily Henry and Robin Troxler of Massachusetts. Also surviving are many great-nieces and nephews and many loving friends in Albuquerque, most especially Don and Dora Sylvester, Bob Vales, and Rev. Harold Trott. Graveside Services will be held at Santa Fe National Cemetery on Friday, August 29, 2003 at 3:00 p.m. A Memorial Service will be held at St. Mark's On The Mesa Episcopal Church, 431 Richmond Place NE, on Saturday, August 30, 2003 at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, it is requested that donations be made in memory of Bob Gillespie to the Parkinson's Disease Foundation, 710 West 168th St, New York, NY 10032. Bob was a very special man and was deeply loved and will be missed very much by all that had the pleasure of knowing him. He left on the wings of an Angel, placed gently in the hands of God. Sunrise Funeral Options 7601 Wyoming Blvd NE Albuquerque, NM 87109 (505) 821-0010
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