John Thomas Gill

John Thomas Gill, 76, of Sullivan, IN, died August 30, 2014, in Terre Haute Union Hospital. He was the older son of the late John and Stella Gill of Shelburn, IN, and a graduate of Purdue University, Northrop Institute of Technology, West Coast University where he received two Masters' degrees, and the University of Southern California. Tom loved animals, especially the dogs that he bred and exhibited, and all forms of aviation. He worked in the aerospace industry on the Apollo and Saturn space programs, the Space Shuttle program, and commercial and military aircraft until he retired from the Boeing Company in 2003. Since then, Tom has devoted time to his private aircraft and to JATOGI Farms. He believed every landowner should strive to leave the land better than when it was acquired. Tom was an active member of the Cessna Owners Organization, and the Civil Air Patrol, Terre Haute and Palm Springs (CA) Squadrons where he received the Gill Robb Wilson Award for ‘conspicuously meritorious performance and exceptionally distinguished service.' Until his recent illness, he was also active in the Sullivan Masons, the Zorah Shriners, and the Valley of Terre Haute Scottish Rite. Tom is survived by his wife, Jeanette; his brother Robert (and Genny) Gill of London, KY, as well as many nieces and nephews and their offspring. He was fond of his godmother, Nell Gill Cliff, who will celebrate her 99th birthday soon. Tom is resting at Holmes Memorial Chapel, Sullivan, where a viewing will be from 3:00pm to 7:00pm on Monday, September 1, 2014 at the funeral home. A Holy Mass celebrating Tom's life will be at 10:30 am, September 2, 2014 at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Sullivan, Indiana. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Humane Society of Sullivan County or to the support of the Sisters of St. Benedict in Ferdinand, IN.

Tom is resting at Holmes Memorial Chapel, Sullivan, where a viewing will be from 3:00pm to 7:00pm on Monday, September 1, 2014 at the funeral home. A Holy Mass celebrating Tom's life will be at 10:30 am, September 2, 2014 at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Sullivan, Indiana. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Humane Society of Sullivan County or to the support of the Sisters of St. Benedict in Ferdinand, IN.