Samuel Newton Gillett

Samuel Newton Gillett, 80, of Carthage, passed away at 11:15 PM, Tuesday, June 29, 2021, at Memorial Hospital in Carthage.

Sam was born April 5, 1941, the son of Sam and Pat (Hartnett) Gillett in Chicago, Illinois. At the age of 12, Sam’s family moved to LaHarpe, Illinois. On November 18th, 1967, Sam married Jean Wagoner at the Immaculate Conception Church in Carthage, Illinois. Sam graduated from LaHarpe High School in 1959. Then went on to attend Western Illinois University but was called to serve his country before he could finish. Sam was drafted into the US Army, C Battery 5/27th Artillery where he served in Vietnam. Upon returning home Sam started his career at NICOR gas in 1966 retiring in 2001. After retiring, Sam became a rural mail carrier in Carthage for several years. Sam was a member of the Eagles Club, the American Legion and the VFW in Carthage. Sam served on the hospital board from 1991-2000 and was president from 1994-1997. He also served as Chair of the Private Industry Council. For several years Sam volunteered at the Kibbe Museum. Sam loved to attend Blueboy/Bluegirl/Illini West sporting events and seldom missed a basketball, football, baseball, softball or track meet his kids or grandkids participated in. Sam was also an avid Chicago Cubs and Bears fan and loved Harley Davidson motorcycles.

Sam is survived by his wife, Jean, two children, Lori (Andy) Gronewold of Carthage, and Mike (Emily) Gillett of Carthage; five grandchildren, Brody and Brandon Gronewold, Sam, Ellie and Claire Gillett all of Carthage; a brother Jim (Mary) Gillett, of Bartlesville, Oklahoma.

Sam was preceded in death by his parents, sister Barbara (Ronnie) Walker and nephews Chris and Kelly Carey.

Funeral Mass will be held at 1:00 PM Tuesday, July 6, 2021, at the Catholic church in Carthage, Illinois, with burial to follow at Moss Ridge Cemetery in Carthage. Visitation will be held from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM on Tuesday July 6, 2021, at the Printy Funeral Home in Carthage. Printy Funeral Home of Carthage is in charge of arrangements.

Memorials may be directed to the Great River Honor Flight. 

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