David Gillis

David Wayne Gillis, a decorated Vietnam War combat veteran, passed away in his home on May 29th, 2025. He was 78 years old.

Born on September 25, 1946, in Salem, Illinois, David was the son of Wanda Bell Luttrell and TC Gillis. After he graduated from High School, he joined the military and proudly served in the United States Army. He is a decorated Vietnam War combat veteran with numerous medals and two Bronze Stars. After returning from the war, he studied at Kaskasia Community College and Lockyear’s Business College, earning an Associate’s degree in Automated Accounting and Electronic Data Processing, continuing his education by earning a B.S. in Accounting from Illinois State University. He moved to Estes Park, Colorado, where he lived for more than 20 years before moving to Owosso, Michigan. He founded an accounting firm where he worked as a Certified Public Accountant, Financial Advisor, and Consultant, and owned an H&R Block distributorship.

David was a member of the Methodist church. He is survived by his wife, Sandra Kay Odell; his son, Darin Wayne Gillis; daughter-in-law, Claudia Lorente; granddaughter, Olivia Gillis; and grandson, Connor Gillis; daughter-in-law, Jaci Green; son-in-law, Derek Green; granddaughter, Laura Green;. He is also survived by his mother, Wanda Bell Gillis; his brother, Danny Gillis; sister-in-law, Sharon Gillis; nieces, Kimberly Rösch, Jessica Gillis, and Jennifer Clark; nephew, Jeff Gillis; and sister-in-law, Roxann Kafer Ellis. David was preceded in death by his first wife, Brenda Kafer Gillis, in 2009.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, June 5, 2025 from 4pm-6pm at Day Macz Funeral Home, 311 N. Pine St, Sandoval, IL, 62882. Burial will take place on Friday, June 6, 2025 at 11am. There will be a brief graveside ceremony and Military Honors at Randolph Township Cemetery, 400 North Rd, Heyworth, IL.

The family suggests memorial contributions to the Disabled American Veterans (dav.org)