Howard R. "Rudy" Gillespie, 81, of Cortland, Ohio, went home to be with the Lord on Saturday, Nov. 24, 2018.

Rudy was a truck driver for many years for Preston Trucking and also drove truck for Jones Performance Products, going to truck shows and driving in parades.

He worked for Reim-old's Auction House of Mercer, making friends wherever he went.

He loved to attend truck shows, flea markets and auctions, was able to fix anything, was super handy, traveled and shared his faith in God with everyone.

Rudy is preceded in death by his mother; his wife, Deanna Gillespie; and a son, Thomas S. Gillespie.

Survivors include his partner, Jo C. Newhouse; two daughters, Sandra L. (David) Schilling and Teresa M. (Kenneth) Steiger; a son, Howard J. Gillespie; 11 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; a stepdaughter, Lori; a stepson, Timothy; and his loving dog, Toby.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Kinsman Presbyterian Church, P.O. Box 304, Kinsman, OH 44428 or to the Make-a-Wish Foundation, which he helped make come true while working in his fire-breathing truck.

GILLESPIE

Howard R. "Rudy," 81, of Cortland, Ohio.

Calling hours: 10 a.m. until time of service Saturday (12-1-18) at Kinsman Presbyterian Church, 6383 Church St., Kinsman, Ohio. A memory or condolence can be shared with the family at www.baumgardnerfuneralhomes.com.

Service: A celebration of life will be at 11 a.m. Saturday (12-1-18) at the church, with the Rev. Susan Francis officiating.

Burial: Washington Cemetery of Mercer.

Arrangements provided by BAUMGARDNER FUNERAL AND CREMATION SERVICE, Kinsman, Ohio.