Perry Gillette

Perry Charles Gillette Jr passed away peacefully on January 23, 2025 at home with his faithful wife, Linda, by his side along with many loving family members.

Born on October 14, 1939 to Dr. Perry Charles and Vonda Mae Gillette in St. Louis, Missouri. He was an All American boy who loved sports and mischief. Perry was the older brother to Judy and Kathy.

Perry excelled at sports and attended DePauw University from 1957-1961 to play football. He graduated with a degree in psychology. He later earned his teaching certificate and completed a Masters in Physical Education and minor in Biological Sciences from Brigham Young University.

Perry had a career in secondary education for 32 years at Granger High School (1967-1976) and Skyline High School (1976-1999). He coached football, wrestling, and track at both schools, touching the lives of countless student athletes. He led numerous teams to State Championships, both as the head coach of the Granger wrestling team in 1973 and as the assistant coach of the Skyline football team in 1976, 1977, and 1979. Perry coached his two daughters, Jennifer and Nikki, to State Championships in swim and cross country.

Perry was inducted into the Marine Corps on September 15, 1961 at Quantico for Officer Candidate School. He became a Lt. Col. in the USMCR and his motto in the military and life was Semper Fi. He could also be heard to say "Ooh-rah" when the occasion allowed.

Perry's educational, military, and religious paths led him to his future eternal companion, Linda Reese, when he was set up on a blind date by Darrell Parkin for a holiday Officers Ball. Perry met Linda in December 1964 and they were sealed on August 11, 1965 in the Logan Utah temple. Perry honored the covenants he made with Linda in the house of the Lord faithfully. They welcomed Matthew, Jennifer, Nikki, Kimberly, Stephanie, and Kellie into their eternal family and raised them to love God and their family. Perry instilled values of education, service, love, and faith in all of his children and grandchildren.

Perry loved Linda and traveled the world with her. They traveled from Alaska to Antarctica, Great Britain, Northern Europe, South America, South Seas and many vacations to Hawaii.

Perry served faithfully in many callings in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, including Bishop of the Granger 22nd/West Valley 6th Ward, Bishop of the West Valley 7th Ward, and Stake President of the West Valley Stake from January 2004-September 2011. Perry served in the Jordan River Temple as an ordinance worker from 2001-2011. He treasured all of his years of service with the youth. Perry served a faithful mission with Linda from March 2012 to September 2013 in the Washington DC South mission to work with the Officer's Candidate School and the Basic School on the Marine Corps Base in Quantico, VA.

Perry lived a legendary life and his love will linger in our hearts forever. We know that he was embraced by the Savior who welcomed this faithful servant home.

Perry was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Kathy Ellett. Perry is survived by his eternal companion, Linda. His children Matthew Gillette, Jennifer (T.T.) Roe, Nikki (John) Thorpe, Kim Partridge, Stephanie (Troy) Kema, and Kellie (Yan'tu) Barber. His 28 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren. His beloved neighbors of 50+ years, Jim and Reva Morton. His sister, Judy (John) Merkley.

Funeral services will be held Friday, January 31, 2025 at 1:00 pm at the West Valley Stake Center, 3963 S. Peachwood Dr. Viewing will be held on Thursday, January 30 from 6-8 pm at the same address, and also Friday, January 31, 11:30 am-12:45 pm prior to funeral services. Interment Valley View Memorial Park.