Merle Dewey Gillette

Merle “Dewey” Gillette, 66, of Monmouth, passed away at 6:40 p.m., Monday, October 10, 2016 at his home.

Dewey was born August 13, 1950 in Monmouth, IL, the son of Merle and Arlene (Heddon) Gillette. He was raised and educated in Monmouth.

Dewey married Karen Lindsey on August 18, 1968. He later married Doris Unger on October 29, 1999 in Monmouth and she survives.

Dewey worked as a truck driver for Munson Transportation and Robbins Pallets both in Monmouth. He also owned and operated Dew’s Diner in Little York, Smithshire and Monmouth.

He attended Living Hope Community Church, formerly foursquare Gospel Church, and enjoyed hunting, fishing and junking. He was a shade tree mechanic who could fix anything.

Survivors include his wife, Doris Gillette of Monmouth; his children, Merle Dewey (Davina) Gillette Jr. of Goodfield, IL, Kim Gillette of Smithshire, Erin Gillette of Monmouth, Jenny (Keith) Budd of Buffalo, IL, Cassie (Kenny) Stephens of Knoxville, TN and Katy (Jeff) Unger of Little York; 21 grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren; 3 brothers, Terry (Patti) Gillette of WI, Rusty Gillette of Monmouth and Bill (Patty) Pitman of Kirkwood; several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and 3 sisters, Sharon Pinson, Delores Shamblin, and Kathryn Murphy.

Funeral services will be 2:00 p.m. Friday, October 14, 2016 at McGuire & Davies Funeral Home and Crematory, Monmouth. Cremation will take place following the services. Visitation will be Thursday, October 13, 2016 from 5:00-7:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Memorials may be given to the Dewey Gillette Memorial Fund to help his family.