Wayne K. Gillen

April 12, 1932-Jan. 12, 2008

Wayne K. Gillen, 75, died Saturday, Jan. 12, 2008 at Community Hospital in McCook.

On April 12, 1932, he was born in McCook to Lawrence and Elsie (Shuck) Gillen. He attended McCook Public Schools and earned his GED in 1972.

He served in the U.S. Air Force and the National Guard for 35 years from 1950-1985 and retired as a First Sergeant from Company A 1/195th Armor of McCook.

He married Arlene F. Smith in McCook on Aug. 22, 1954 and they had four children.

Wayne especially enjoyed attending his children and grandchildren's activities. He liked going to auctions, playing cards and his "office breakfast friends". He farmed and loved the outdoors and was a devoted husband and father.

Preceding him in death are his parents; two brothers, Donald and Dale; one grandson, Breck; and special aunt and uncle, Fred and Bonnie Johnson.

Survivors include his wife Arlene of McCook; children and spouses, Judy Gillen of Omaha, Lance and Denise Gillen, Brad and Wendy Gillen, Kelli and Travis Zwickle, all of McCook; and eight grandchildren, Spencer, Kelsey, Zayne, Kassidy, Easton, Jenna, Jett, and Brooklynn; brother-in-law, Donald Smith and wife, Karen of Colo. and special family friend, Linda Lu Lloyd of Omaha.

Memorials are being accepted in his name.

Friends may sign his book at the funeral home during business hours or send condolences on-line at www.carpenterbreland.com

Memorial services will be Wednesday, January 16th at 11:00 at McCook Christian Church with Pastor Clark Bates and Jerry Beckenhauer officiating. Inurnment will be in Memorial Park Cemetery in McCook.

Carpenter Breland Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.