John W. Gillespie

John W. Gillespie, 85, of E. Wood Avenue, Carlsbad, New Mexico, passed away April 11, 2011 at Carlsbad Medical Center. Friends may great the family Thursday, April 14, 2011 from 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM at Denton-Wood Funeral Home. Due to the road construction, all traffic must enter the funeral home from the intersection of Pierce and Halagueno Streets, we apologize for this inconvenience. A Memorial Service is scheduled for Friday, April 15, 2011, 3:00 PM, at Denton-Wood Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Daniel Fessenden of Ranch Acres Baptist Church, officiating. Carlsbad Veterans Honor Guard will provide military honors. Denton-Wood Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. John W. Gillespie was born July 3, 1925 in Coleman, TX to John Wiley and Dorothy (Brooks) Gillespie. He graduated from Coleman High School in 1942. John served his country in the US Army Air Corp. during WWII. He then graduated from Texas Tech University with a degree in Business Administration in 1950. John went to work for Mrs. Tucker's Shortening where he was marketing director. He introduced and marketed the brand in several mid-western states. John later worked for Southwestern Investment Company as an account representative. He married Betty Jo Bryan on November 28, 1959 in Carlsbad. John managed Joe Bryan's Dairy until 1964. He went to work for IMC in purchasing and became the purchasing manager until he retired after 25 years of service. John was a volunteer for the Otis Fire Department for 10 years. He also volunteered with Camp Fire Girls, Inc. John was a member of the B.P.E.O. Elks Lodge # 1558 and the Fox and Lake Church of Christ. He enjoyed fishing and spending time with his family and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents. Survivors are his wife, Betty Jo Gillespie of Carlsbad; daughter, Susie E. Gillespie of Albuquerque, NM; extended family: Jerry and Sharon Click and their family. Honorary pallbearers will be Chunky Click, Jerry Click, Tim Click, Jerry Calvani, Dean Calvani, Pat Ellis, Chad Barnes, Michael Huber, Jon Click, Daryl Thompson and IMC Employees. Memorial contributions may be made to Lakeview Christian Home, 1905 W. Pierce Street, Carlsbad, NM 88220. Condolences may be expressed at dentonwood.com.