LAMAR, Mo. — Robert Eugene “Rob” Gillette, age 43, of Lamar, passed away at 4:09 p.m. August 11, 2009 at his home after more than three years of ill health. Rob was born April 18, 1966 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma to Gerald Lloyd and Roberta Jane (Hudson) Gillette. Having lived in Oklahoma, Kansas and Missouri, Rob attended South East High School in Cherokee, Kansas until his senior year and then joined his maternal grandfather and uncles in their construction/brick laying business. He later returned to schooling and received his high school diploma from ICS Newport Pacific High School in Scranton, Pennsylvania. Rob in 1994, went to the police academy at MSSC in Joplin, Missouri graduating second in his class. Since then has been a deputy sheriff for Barton County. Was a Dade County Deputy for several years working lake patrol from April thru September for Stockton Lake and surrounding area. He was currently a reserve police officer for the City of Lamar and remained a commissioned deputy for Barton County Sheriff’s Department.

Rob was a certified police sniper for the city’s special operations team who serve high risk warrants. An investigator for the South Central Major Case Squad and in 1990 had been appointed temporary reserve officer of Golden City, Missouri. Rob had worked 12 1/2 years as a full time fire fighter/driver engineer for the City of Lamar until having to retire due to ill health in February 2007. Nationally accredited fire fighter I and II through the state of Missouri. A certified hazardous materials technician. Certified scuba diver and certified in high angle rescue repelling. He was also supervisor for the fire department and Memorial Hall. Over the years Rob also worked for the doughnut shop, Tapjack, Isenhower Lumber, Hargis Package Store, Doug Parker Construction, and waxing / burnishing floors after hours of local businesses.

Rob thoroughly loved working with the adopt a cop program through the elementary schools as well as the D.A.R.E. program and fish with a cop. He also enjoyed teaching fire safety to the kids on safety day.

Allowing the young ones to suit up at the fire station and spray water from the hose was just an opportunity for him to be the kid at heart he really was. “TO FEEL LIKE MYSELF AGAIN.” Rob was extremely motivated every September to stand in the streets come sunshine or rain to raise money for the children and adults in the four state area afflicted with a neuromuscular disease. The only thing that prohibited him from doing so was his end stage renal failure. He loved going to MDA camp and helping the kids enjoy a summer activity that they would otherwise not be afforded. He also assisted with Relay For Life activities.

Rob was a member of the Lamar Congregation of Jehovah's Witnesses. He dearly loved his heavenly father Jehovah. Rob was very tender hearted. He wore his heart on his sleeve and gave his heart and soul to everyone his life touched. Good natured, laid back and easy going. Very much a practical joker and good at it. A hopelessly incurable romantic. Wonderful father. He thrived on knowledge, learning more to help someone in their time of need. Extremely hard working. Writer of beautiful poetry. The rush of adrenalin got him through one more call, fire or law. Lover of jalapeno peppers, angel hair pasta with alfredo sauce, sea food, sky diving, scuba diving, steel guitars, his Harley Davidson motorcycle, George Strait, his beloved dog Penny, antiques, music, music trivia from any genre, 'momma's' eggplant, and pot-bellied pigs.

Rob married Tammy Lea (Lamb) Brasher on November 24, 1995 in Stockton. She survives. Rob has one son, Seth Gillette, Durant, Oklahoma. Step children Katie Nikodim and husband Matthew, El Dorado Springs, Missouri, Johnathan and Gregory Brasher, Stockton. He was so proud to be a new papaw to Morgan Elizabeth Nikodim, his first born grandchild. Rob is survived by his parents, Lloyd and Roberta Gillette, Pittsburg, Kansas. A sister, Sherri Owen and husband Rocky, Lamar. A brother, Bryon Gillette and wife Karen, Webb City. Four nieces: Heather Buynar and husband Eric, Joplin. Darby and Corey Owen, Lamar. Tracie Lamb, Webster, New York. Rob recently became a great uncle to Miss Hadley Buynar. One brother-in-law, Rick Lamb and wife Sharon, Webster, New York. Paternal grandmother Ruth Collins, Pittsburg, Kansas. A host of aunts, uncles, and cousins from all over the United States.

Rob was preceded in death by his maternal grandfather Robert Earl Hudson, Feb. 28, 1991. Maternal grandmother Lucinda Jane (Sells) "Cindy" Hudson, April 26, 2008. Paternal grandfather Ross Gillette, Dec. 1965. Paternal step grandfathers Eugene Brewer, Sept. 29, 1985, and Curtis Collins, May 1, 2000. Two uncles, Matthew and James Hudson.

Memorial contributions may be made to The National Kidney Foundation or the Muscular Distrophy Association in care of the funeral home. A memorial fund has also been established in care of the funeral home which will be used in assisting the family to defray the cost of funeral expenses and outstanding medical bills.

The family will receive visitors from 6-8 p.m. Thursday at Daniel Funeral Home, Lamar where funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Friday. Graveside services will follow at Lake Cemetery, Lamar.