BROWNSTOWN
Dr. Robert Gene Gillespie, age 87, a lifelong resident of Brownstown, Indiana, passed away on Friday, January 13, 2023, at Hoosier Christian Village surrounded by his loving family. Dr. Robert Gillespie was devoted to his family, his community, his faith and his 54-year career practicing veterinary medicine.
Robert Gene Gillespie was born in Norton Infirmary in Louisville, Kentucky, on July 24, 1935, the son of the late Dr. &Mrs. G. R. Gillespie of Brownstown, Indiana. Dr. Gillespie was raised in the Brownstown Presbyterian Church, where he served as a Deacon, a trustee, an elder, and taught Sunday school. He graduated from Brownstown High School in 1953, attended Hanover College for two years, and transferred to Purdue University, where he graduated with his bachelor’s degree in 1957.
Robert married Lela Nierman, his high school sweetheart, in 1957 before they moved to Manhattan, Kansas. In 1961, he completed his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree, and she finished her degree in education, both at Kansas State University. Subsequently, they moved back to Brownstown, where he opened Gillespie Veterinary Clinic in July 1961, and she began teaching school at Crothersville.
Gillespie Veterinary Clinic was in continuous operation for over 40 years in Brownstown, providing general veterinary medicine to both small and large animals. In 1993, Dr. Jack R. Gillespie (Bob’s brother), joined the clinic where they worked together before selling the practice in 2003. Following the sale of his practice, Dr. Robert Gillespie continued to perform spays and neuters for three area humane societies. He performed his last surgery and retired from Bartholomew County Humane Society 14 years later when he turned 81 years old.
Throughout his years in practice, he served in various positions of the 9th district of the IVMA (Indiana Veterinary Medical Association), and he represented the 9th district at the state level for three years. He was appointed to the state veterinary licensing board by Governor Frank O’Bannon and served nine years, which included serving as President for three years and chief hearing officer for two years. He also represented the State of Indiana on the national organization of state veterinary boards, where he chaired the committee that made new rules. He was also a veterinarian at the Indiana State Fair for ten years.
Dr. Gillespie raced ponies during the 1970’s and chaired the United States Pony Trotting Association for three years. Over the years, Robert served his community on many other Boards as an officer or member. These organizations included Brownstown Jaycees, Vallonia Lions Club, Brownstown Chamber of Commerce, Jackson County 4-H council, and Camp Pyoca. He was one of the original board members at Pyoca and helped to clear the land.
Bob developed Buena Vista Estates on his farmland and sold his last lot in 2017.
Robert was loved beyond measure by his wife, Jacque, children, and grandchildren. One of his greatest joys was his grandchildren and attending their events and programs.
Lela Nierman Gillespie passed away in 1984. Dr. Gillespie then married Jacque Perry in 1985, and she survives in Brownstown. He and Jacque transferred to the Brownstown First Baptist Church, where he served as a Deacon.
They raised two children: Letitia “Tish” Lynn (John) Luciano of South Carolina, and James Robert (Alon Maxwell) Gillespie of New York and Indiana, who survive.
Other survivors include: one brother, Dr. Jack R. (Betty) Gillespie of Brownstown; and three grandchildren: David (MacKenzie) Luciano, Nathan (Sarah) Luciano, and Zachary Luciano.
Funeral services for Dr. Robert Gene Gillespie will be conducted at 12:00 noon on Tuesday, January 17, 2023, at Brownstown Presbyterian Church, with Reverend James (J.C.) Blankenbeker officiating. Friends may call from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service at 12:00 noon on Tuesday, January 17, 2023, at Brownstown Presbyterian Church.
A private burial will be at Fairview Cemetery, Brownstown.
Memorials may be given to Brownstown Ewing Main Street or Jackson County Dog Shelter.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the caring staff at Spurgeon Funeral Home, Inc.
Online memorials and condolences may be given at www.spurgeonfh.com