MONTY ODELL GILLETT
Monty Odell Gillett, loving husband, father, brother, and “Papa” went to be with the Lord on July 8, 2023, at the age of 65, while at his home in Weimar, Texas.
He was born on June 17, 1958, to Robert and Nancy Gillett in Fostoria, Ohio. He was a graduate of Findlay High School. He played football and was very active in the student council at his high school. Monty was always well liked by his peers and enjoyed having good times with his friends and family whenever he could. Monty was known for using his baritone voice to sing the part of Judd in the high school operetta, “Oklahoma”.
Monty worked many different jobs before entering the sales industry where he learned the meat marketing of many different products. He traveled all over the country learning about his competitors in his specified territory. His hard work paid off when he landed an opportunity to work for Eckrich in Dallas, Texas. That is where he met the love of his life Francine (Fran) Gillett.
Fran and Monty were married on June 20, 1987, in Dallas, Texas. Shortly after being married, they welcomed twin baby girls, Monica and Mandi. Three years later, they welcomed home a son, Cody. Being a loving father and supportive husband was the top priority for Monty. It wasn’t too long after Cody was born, Monty was offered a new job opportunity. This new job required transferring his family to Weimar, Texas where he would begin a new career with Double B Foods. Fran and Monty were nervous to move to a small town where they did not know anyone, but they decided they wanted their children to grow up in a rural setting.
Through the years, Monty developed a good reputation with the neighboring towns for his work ethic and reliability. Monty always had a warm smile and showed kindness to all those he came into contact with. He treated everyone with respect and always gave people the benefit of the doubt. He taught his children to have a “big heart” for others. Monty never missed an opportunity to support his children and was known for having the loudest clap in the audience. His children always knew he was there without looking up.
Fran was heavily involved in the PTO at the elementary school, which meant Monty was too. He enjoyed dedicating his time and making a difference in his community.
Monty was trustworthy and always kept his word. He kept his promises to his family, no matter what. After many years of working in the sales industry, he decided to change careers and opened his own landscaping and home care company known as “Gillett General Services”. Owning his own company allowed Monty to do what he loved most, which was being outdoors.
Monty enjoyed being with his family. He taught his children to work hard, chase their dreams, but most of all, to love and respect their elders. Monty became a papa to six grandchildren (Reese 8, Blair 7, Kerin 6, Natalie 6, Anderson 2, and Sophie 1). Monty enjoyed getting to watch his grandchildren grow up and spend time at his home in Weimar.
Monty and Fran were both faced with difficult health struggles and they both relied on each other for support. They were cheerleaders to one another, and this inspired their children and friends. The loss of Monty is indescribable, but his legacy will live on in each of his children and grandchildren. Monty is now home with his heavenly father, and loving wife.
Monty is survived by his daughters, Monica Heffley (Bill), Mandi Kulhanek (Ryan), and son, Cody Gillett. Sister Jeananne Gillett of Findlay, Ohio, stepmother Lou Ellen Gillett of Findlay, Ohio, stepbrother Tim Geoghegan (Jill), stepsisters Kathy Martin (Rick), and Jennifer Boydell.
He was preceded in death by his father Robert Gillett, his mother Nancy Gillett, and his wife Francine (Fran) Gillett.
Visitation will be Friday, July 14, 2023, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Henneke Funeral Home in Columbus, Texas and on Saturday, July 15, 2023, from 10 a.m. to noon at Henneke Funeral Home. A private family burial will be held at a later date.
Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider Columbus Elementary School PTO, 1324 Bowie Street, Columbus, Texas 78934 or City Mission of Findlay, 510 W Main Cross Street, Findlay, Ohio 45840.
Online condolences may be given at www.hennekefuneralhome. com.