Obituary of Laurence Gillman

Age 87, of Vassar, died at his home on Monday, February 10, 2014. The funeral service will take place 11:00 am, Saturday, February 15, 2014, at Lifeline Victory Center in Vassar. Pastor Wally Reames will officiate with burial to follow at Riverside Cemetery. Laurence's family will be present to receive friends at the Martin Funeral Home-Vassar on Friday, from 1:00 pm until 4:00 pm then from 6:00 pm until 9:00 pm. On Saturday, Laurence will be taken to church to lie in state from 10:00 am until time of service at 11:00 am. In lieu of flowers, those desiring may consider memorial contributions to the Mills Family Fund PO Box 2536 Frisco, Texas 75034. Envelopes are available at the funeral home. Laurence was born December 25, 1926, in Bay City, Michigan, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence and Lillian (Hall) Gillman. Laurence was educated locally in Vassar. As a young man he would meet and marry the love of his life, Elizabeth "Betty" Wilcox. Sadly she preceded him in death July 4, 2007. Laurence proudly served in the United States Navy for two years, serving in the South Pacific before receiving his honorable discharge. He worked as a supervisor for Eaton Foundry for 39 years until retiring in 1985. Left to cherish his memory are three sons, Phillip Gillman, Mike (Deb) Gillman and Scott (Roberta) Gillman; 9 grandchildren, Kirk (Andrea) Gillman, Philip M. Gillman, Phillip L. (Stacy) Gillman, Amy (Alfredo) Barron, Michelle (Jeff) Huizar, Erin (Roy) Esckelson, Michael (Jen) Gillman, Scott (Rebecca) Gillman and Brittani (Max) Lopez; 22 great-grandchildren; and many other family members and friends. Laurence was preceded in death by his parents, wife Betty, son Larry and his sister Beverly "Babe" Bogert.