Donald Lee Gilliatt

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Donald Lee Gilliatt, 88, of Indianapolis, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, August 10, 2016, at Marquette Manor following a long illness.

He was born June 26, 1928 in Youngs Creek, Ind., to Aaron and Minnie (Ross) Gilliatt, who preceded him in death, and was the second youngest of five children. He was raised on the family farm and graduated from Paoli High School in 1945. He graduated from IU’s School of Business in Bloomington in 1949 and married his college sweetheart, Janet Metzner Gilliatt, on July 8, 1950. In 1961, he earned his MBA from Indiana University.

Donald served in the Army Quartermaster Corps for 23 years, retiring in 1972 after earning the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. He served in both the Korean and Viet Nam wars, including five tours overseas; Okinawa, Korea, Viet Nam, and two tours in Germany; and his family lived in Texas, Illinois, Indiana, and Virginia during his military career.

Following his military retirement, Donald worked in the Budget Office of Indiana University at the IUPUI Indianapolis campus from 1972 until his retirement in 1988, while also teaching some accounting classes. He was active in many volunteer capacities, including teaching Sunday school to junior high students in Germany, and serving as President and Treasurer of the Uptown Exchange Club and Treasurer of Carmel United Methodist Church, where he was a long-time member. He enjoyed bowling, fishing, gardening, square dancing, boating, waterskiing, and was an avid IU fan.

His memory will be cherished by those he leaves behind, including his wife, Janet; son, Neal (Diana) Gilliatt of Indianapolis; daughters, Gail Walters of Oakton, Va. and Carol Klippel of Fishers; grandson, Kyle (Elise) Gilliatt, of Coatesville, Ind.; granddaughters, Karla Gilliatt of Indianapolis and Meghan Herbert-Walters of Boulder, Colo.; great-grandsons, Landon and Marco Gilliatt; two sisters-in-law; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Donald was preceded in death by his brothers, Paul, Harold, David; sister, Ruth; and his son-in-law, Thomas Herbert.

The family wishes to express our deep appreciation to the staff of both IU Health Hospice and Marquette Manor Health Center.

Calling hours will be from 5 to 7 p.m., Monday, August 15, at Crown Hill Funeral Home, 700 West 38th St., Indianapolis. Visitation will also be held from 9:30 to 10 a.m., Tuesday, August 16, followed by a Celebration of Life Funeral Service at 10 a.m. at Crown Hill Funeral Home. Burial service with full military honors will follow, at Crown Hill Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to Carmel United Methodist Church, 621 S. Rangeline Rd., Indianapolis, IN 46033; or Marquette Foundation, 8140 Township Line Rd., Indianapolis, IN 46260.