Dewey Frederick Gillett, longtime Leavenworth, Kan., veterinarian, died on Feb. 7, 2022, from complications following surgery for a broken hip. He was born June 4, 1934, in Harrison Township, Jewell County Kan., near Burr Oak, to Elton I. and Jessie Mae (Korb) Gillett. While growing up, Dewey worked on the family wheat farm and registered Angus rRanch. He graduated from Burr Oak High School in 1952. On Feb. 14, 1954, he married Donna R. Pittam in Superior, Neb.
Dewey had a lifelong love of animals. He graduated from Kansas State University with two degrees, the bachelor of science, and in 1963 the doctor of veterinary medicine.
He started a veterinary practice in Leavenworth and practiced 30 years. Following retirement, he spent a year teaching nursing students human anatomy and physiology at Kansas City Kansas Community College. He also practiced at the Fort Leavenworth Veterinary facility for a year.
Dr. Gillett served in the National Guard. He was an honorary life member of the Kansas and American veterinary medical associations as well as a life member of the Eagles. He served as president of the Leavenworth City-County Health Department Board of Directors of which he was a member for seven years. As a longtime member of the United Methodist Church, he assisted with youth classes. He was a member of the Republican Party and served as precinct committeeman.
As a child, Dewey accepted Christ as Savior and never hesitated to tell others he believed the Bible was the inerrant Word of the Creator God.
Survivors include his wife, Donna; sons Mark L. (Rebecca), Olathe, Kan. and Blake F. (Deanna), Shawnee, Kan.; three grandsons, Grant, Kyle (Madelyn); and Joshua (Crystal); two great-grandsons, Osmund and Archer; and a brother, John (Jill), Fredonia, Kan., and his children Lance, Renee, Courtenay, Ayden; and other relatives.
Burial with a graveside service was held at the Burr Oak Cemetery followed by a celebration of life dinner on Feb. 11, 2022.
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