Jay Gillett

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On September 16, 1926 Alfred Jay blessed the home of Clayton and Nellie Gillett in rural Jewell County, Kansas north of Esbon. Jay worked on the family farm through his childhood and graduated from Esbon in 1944. In 1945, during World War II Jay enlisted in the United States Marine Corp. After basic training he was stationed on the USS Cabot aircraft carrier at Treasure Island Naval Base, San Francisco. Then they sailed from Hawaii and on to Okinawa, Japan.

After his tour of duty, Jay went back to farming. In 1951 he married Ardis Smith of Northbranch, Kansas. They started their life together 3 miles northwest of Jay's childhood home. To this union God blessed them with 3 children: Dan, Brad, and Margo. After 25 years of marriage Jay and Ardis parted ways.

Jay continued farming until the early 1980's. On December 5, 1981, he married Mildred Rogers of Red Cloud, Nebraska where they made their home for nearly 35 years. After Jay retired from farming he started his second career being the ultimate "American picker" going to auctions across Kansas and Nebraska buying and selling "his treasures". This was a true love of his. His last auction was this past month on September 17th in Superior, Nebraska, one day after his 90th birthday. He purchased one last pickup full of "treasures". The auctions will be a little quieter now, no longer having the man in the overalls, wearing a farmers cap that he always tipped just right on his head, and silently nodding to the auctioneer. Jay also enjoyed playing pool, pitch and having coffee daily with friends. He was a lifetime member of the NRA and the American Legion, receiving his 70-year certificate this year.

Jay went home to his Lord and Savior the morning of October 13, 2016, just as he had always hoped, in his sleep. He leaves behind his loving wife Mildred of Red Cloud, NE, sister Mary and husband Norman Bottger of Belleville, KS, brother Sam and wife Alyce of Esbon, KS, son Dan and wife Jan of Salina, KS, son Brad and wife Cheri of Hays, KS, and daughter Margo of Citrus Heights, CA. Three grandchildren: Traci and husband Troy Bowman of Manhattan, Kansas, Brian and wife Rachel of Dilley, Texas, Lynne and husband Steve Robertson of Salina, KS. Eight great-grandchildren Blake, Derek, Jacob, Shelby, Bronte, Chandler, Clayton, and Cooper; three step-daughters Marcia Mahin of Red Cloud, Vicki Yost and husband Jerry of Hastings, Nebraska, and Brenda Nore of Lincoln, Nebraska. Eleven step-grandchildren, Clint, Chad, Dennis, Monte, Todd, Jeremy, Josh, Jace, Britta, Hanah, Anika and their families; also numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and a host of friends.

Preceding him in death were his parents, Clayton and Nellie Gillett, brother George, step-son Phillip Galen Rogers, and two infant grandsons. The world lost a great man but heaven gained an angel.

Funeral services were held Monday, 10:30 a.m., October 17, 2016 at the Williams Funeral Home in Red Cloud with Rev. Dan Benedict officiating. Interment with military honors was at the Red Cloud Cemetery.

Williams Funeral Home

241 West 4th Avenue

Red Cloud, NE 68970

402-746-2500

williamsfuneralhomes@yahoo.com