Sam Gillett

Samuel Dale Gillett was born December 26, 1933 on the family farm north of Esbon, Kansas. He passed away November 13, 2021 at the age of 87 at the hospital in Superior, Nebraska. He was the fourth child of David Clayton and Nellie Shagley Gillett.

 He attended country schools and graduated from the Esbon High School in 1951. He worked on the family farm one year then went to York College in Nebraska to play football for two years. After it closed he went to Westmar College in Iowa. This was cut short as he was drafted into the Army. He returned home to the farm in 1957 after the death of his father in December 1956. He remained on the family farm the rest of his life, adding to and improving it. He was proud of the fact that the farm has remained in the family since 1883, and that a son and son-in-law are still farming this land today.

 He became a very good bowler in his spare time, winning many championships. It was where he met his future wife, Alyce Vacha Hutson. They were married September 15, 1973 and he became a father to her two boys. They added seven more children. Sam took great pride in his children and enjoyed celebrating their many accomplishments.

 After semi retiring from farming it was his idea to go on tours to see the country. Something full time farming had not allowed. He and Alyce enjoyed seeing most of the United States, especially Alaska. They were even privileged to cruise the Danube River in Europe. Together they also went to National Senior Bowling Championships. At the age of 81, he won the championship in his age group.

Early in his life Sam accepted Christ as his Savior and this remained important to him the rest of his life. He instilled these values in his children. He attended Union Chapel, a church which his great uncle gave the land for. He remained active in it serving as SS Superintendent until it closed. He transferred his membership to the Esbon Community church and remained faithful in attendance until going to the hospital.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers George and Jay, in-laws John and Helen Vacha.

Surviving are his wife of 48 years, Alyce; sons John Hutson (Marcia) of Downs, Kansas; Jim Gillett (Kim) of Esbon, Kansas and David Gillett (Autumn) of Neodesha, Kansas; daughters, Susan Olson (Dennis) of Lakeville, Minnesota; Marcia Gillett of Prior Lake, Minnesota; Carrie Bonebrake (Jon) of Berryton, Kansas; Janell Brassfield (Cody) of Phoenix, Arizona; Victoria L’Ecuyer (Scott) of Valley Center, Kansas and Beth Walker (Brett) of Esbon, Kansas; granddaughters: Allison Gillett, Sophia Olson, Brynlee Brassfield, Addyson Gillett, Makayla and Laynee L’Ecuyer, Lily and Claire Walker; grandsons: Dereck and Jerrod Gillett, Brandon and Eli Olson, Bryce and Clayton Brassfield, Ross and Luke Hutson, Andrew and Jacob Bonebrake, Logan, Easton and Larson Gillett, Cade L’Ecuyer, Wyatt and Ashton Walker; also a sister, Mary Bottger of Belleville, Kansas, and many nieces and nephews.

Funeral services were Saturday, 11:00 am, November 27, 2021 at the Esbon Community Church with Rev. Rod Rose officiating. Interment was at the Highland Cemetery.

Memorials are suggested to the Jewell County Community Foundation or the Esbon Community Church

Williams Funeral Home
241 West 4th Avenue
Red Cloud, Nebraska  68970

Phone 402-746-2500
williamsfuneralhomes@yahoo.com

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