John Gillis

A memorial service for John Archibald Gillis, 86, of Louisiana, Missouri will be held Friday, August 27th at noon at the Calvary Episcopal Church in Louisiana with visitation from 10:00 A.M. until noon at the Calvary Episcopal Parish House. The Rev. Pat Glenn will officiate. John died Friday, August 20, 2010 at his home in rural Louisiana, Missouri. "Archie" was born August 6, 1924 in Boston, Massachusetts to Allan John Gillis and Florence Mary Gillis who came to Boston from Cape Britian, Nova Scotia. He was very proud of his heritage. On May 5, 1967 John and Gloria Ruth Julow were married in Washington, DC. In September of 1969 they moved to Louisiana where John became News Editor of the Louisiana Press Journal. He retired from that position in September of 1986 after 18 years. His work at the Press Journal was very satisfying to him because it enabled him to write and to meet people. He knew no strangers. He is survived by his wife, Gloria Ruth Gillis of the home, two daughters, Tina G. Sims (Brent), Pamela G. Ryan (William) both of Hannibal, Missouri and one son, Bradley R. Gillis of Bethalto, Illinois. Grandchildren, Elizabeth A. Gillis, Lisa D. Waelder, Brian L. Campbell, Christine G. Nicholas (Kyle), Jessica D. Gillis and Emily B. Ryan, Five Great Grandchildren; Jeremiah, William, Aubrey, Kamrey and Isabella, Siblings, Gregory Gillis (Barbara), Doris G. Wilcox (Robert), Martha J. Gillis and The Rev. Ronald J. Gillis all of Boston, Massachusetts and nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents and by three brothers, Robert Gillis, George Gillis and Paul Gillis. John was a veteran, serving with the United States Army from 1943 to 1946. Following his graduation from Boston University in 1950, he was a Clerk at Court for the Interstate Commerce Commission in Washington, DC. He was received into the Episcopal Church in Louisiana in 1990. John loved with a passion his family, Calvary Episcopal Church, reading, writing, discussion and all of God's creatures. Memorials may be given to Pike County Home Health and Hospice, Calvary Episcopal Church, Pike County Memorial Hospital or to the Donor's Choice. Online condolences may be sent to collierfuneral.com

John Gillis

August 6, 1924 - August 20, 2010