Edwin B Gillispie passed from this life on June 22, 2022, at Valley Medical Center, Renton, Washington, at the age of 92, with his wife of nearly 70 years by his side. He was born in Roger Mills Co., Oklahoma, on September 12, 1929, the first child of Delmar B and Rosalia May Gillispie.
In 1944 he, with his parents and four younger sisters, loaded their belongings into their car and moved to Medford, Oregon, where his youngest sibling was born. Edwin graduated from Medford High School, going on to work his way through Oregon State College (now Oregon State University) earning a Bachelor of Science
degree in Manufacturing Engineering in 1954.
Edwin met his wife, Claudia Cooper, on a blind date arranged by his sister. They married the following year in July and moved to Corvallis, Oregon, where Claudia supported them for Edwin’s final two years at OSC. They then moved to the Seattle-Renton area where Edwin worked for The Boeing Company for 35 years, retiring in 1990.
In 1958 the couple bought a new house in the Renton Highlands where they remained, though updated the house in 1993. They had four children, three of whom graduated from Hazen High School and are now retired. Their fourth child, David, died at age 6 and was buried in Greenwood Cemetery where both Edwin and Claudia will eventually be buried beside him.
The couple were founding members of First Christian Church in Renton, which became United Christian Church located in the Cascade area of Renton. Edwin served in a variety of roles at the church, mainly those concerning the building and grounds . He used his skills to meet practical needs of his home and church. He was always “on call” for help needed by his family, his church and his neighbors.
Edwin is survived by his wife Claudia; his son Steven Gillispie, Seattle; his daughters Suzanne (Marc) Nilsen, Bellevue; and Jane (Ripp) Brammer, East Wenatchee; seven grandchildren: Del (Melissa) Brammer; Tate (Sonia) Brammer; Evan (Hayley) Brammer; Kase Brammer; Elizabeth Nilsen; Aaron Nilsen; Ben (Serena) Nilsen; siblings Ruth Keen, Battle Ground, WA; Maxwell Gillispie, Medford, OR; and eight great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his sisters Mayola Watson, Alverna Biggs, Leora Guthrie, and by his son, David.
Edwin enjoyed fixing things and visiting with friends and family. In his younger years he was involved in outdoor Scouting and Campfire activities of his children, and later he and Claudia went camping and backpacking by themselves. After he retired they traveled the country in their RV, searching out ancestors and relatives and visiting living family.
A celebration of his life will be held on July 9, 2022, at 11:00 am at United Christian Church, located at 15509 116th Ave. SE, Renton WA 98058. Masks will be required in the church.