June 11, 1948 - August 21, 2021
“NO REGRETS. JUST LOVE.”
Danny Louis “Dan” Gillaspie, 73, of Enid, Oklahoma died and went peacefully into the arms of his Heavenly Father on August 21, 2021 at Integris Bass Baptist Hospital in Enid, Oklahoma, surrounded by the family that he laughed with, lived for and loved.
He was a member of Cornerstone Evangelical Free Church in Enid where he served as Treasurer and operated the sound system.
Dan retired from the United States Air Force as a Lt. Col. in 1990 after 20 years of flying T-37, F-4 Phantom II, F-4G Wild Weasel, and T-38 Talon aircraft. He worked 31 years as a T-38 Simulator instructor at Vance AFB, OK.
Dan was preceded in death by his parents, Wayne and Betty Gillaspie. He is survived by his best friend and WIFE of 51 years Sara; their 3 CHILDREN: daughter Lara (Jim) Helfrich of Newton, KS; daughter Emily (John) Buller of Kremlin, OK; and son Charles “Charlie” (Darlene) Gillaspie of McAlester, OK; GRANDCHILDREN: Tim Jantzi (Taylor Peck); Allison (Wyatt) Roth; Joshua Jantzi; Haven (Cody) Faris; Garrett Helfrich (Kay Hamm); Jessica Buller, Samuel Buller and Jacob Buller; Colton Gillaspie and Cooper Gillaspie; GREAT GRANDCHILDREN: Olivia, Hunter, Carter and Oaklynn (Haven & Cody) Faris; newborn Rainn Louis Mahlon (Allison and Wyatt) Roth, unborn Willow Lavina Michelle (Garrett & Kay) Helfrich due in October; SISTER Susie (Duane) Steinkraus of Waterloo, Iowa, AUNT Sharon (Bill) Harriman of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, as well as many cousins, countless friends and coworkers, and current and former pilots in every corner of the world.
He held his love for Jesus Christ above everything else, but his family was a close 2nd. We will celebrate the life of this Christian husband, father, Papa, pilot, friend, teacher, fisherman and fisher-of-men at a date TBD. One celebration will be held near Enid, Oklahoma led by Pastor Al McVety; one in Deep River, Iowa assisted by Ed Evans and The American Legion Post 296; and one at Charlie and Darlene Gillaspie’s Homestead near McAlester over next 4th of July holiday weekend. Anderson-Burris Funeral Home will have a tribute page on their website www.andersonburris.com.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in memory of Dan Gillaspie to:
The American Legion Post 296 in Deep River, Iowa;
Shady Grove Missionary Baptist Church in McAlester, OK;
Oklahoma Bible Academy in Enid, OK;
Hillsdale Christian School (Fund-Raising) in Hillsdale, OK.
Condolences can be made to the family online at Andersonburris.com. Honored to be recognized nationally, the past 6 years, for the Pursuit of Excellence award. Because family matters, let us take care of yours. We are proud to own the only crematory in Garfield county and ensure your loved one receives the care and respect they deserve while never leaving our care. Visit 3002 N. Van Buren, Enid, OK 73703. Call: (580) 233-2700.
Obituaries are posted, in part, due to the generosity of The Commons.
A United Methodist Retirement Community
Tours: 301 S. Oakwood | (580) 237-6164
Enid's Only Faith-based, Not-For-Profit, Complete Continuous Care Community. Including Long Term Care, Skilled Nursing, Memory Care, Assisted Living, Independent Living Apartments and Townhomes.
