Phillip Walter Gillet, Sr.
November 19, 1951 – June 23, 2022
Phillip’s four year plus battle with pancreatic cancer ended peacefully in his sleep after watching his beloved Dodger’s win. He was born on November 19, 1951, in Sallisaw, Oklahoma. After several trial runs, his family permanently moved to Buttonwillow, California in 1954. In 1964, his family relocated to Delano, California. Phillip attended Buttonwillow Elementary School, Cecil Avenue Junior High, and graduated from Delano High School in 1969. He met the love of his life, Ann, in 1963. They started dating in 1967 and were married on June 26, 1970.
He always worked hard and saved his money, and in 1969 purchased his first brand new Corvette that started his lifetime love of them. Phillip started driving a ready-mix truck in 1977. He bought his own truck, and started Gillet Trucking in 1983 which he owned, operated, and managed until his death.
Phil was a mentor to many. He coached numerous sports teams his children played on. He was always willing to give advice or financial assistance to anyone that asked. He enjoyed playing softball and basketball into his late 40’s. He enjoyed watching baseball, basketball, and football. He especially loved watching the Dodgers and attended many games in person with his family. He attended several World series and NBA finals.
Music played a big role in Phil’s life. He enjoyed playing his Martin guitar and singing Merle Haggard songs. Family gatherings always consisted of music. He attended many different concerts throughout his life. He bought his Grandson, Jacob, his first Martin guitar and started to show him how to play. Jacob was also his favorite gardening buddy. They loved enjoying their harvest together.
Phil enjoyed many camping and hunting trips throughout his life. He traveled to Utah and Colorado a few times to hunt elk and deer. Cedar creek and the Alta Sierras were where most of his camping and hunting trips took place. Most of his weekends in the fall were spent camping and hunting with his family and best friends, James and Shirley Wood.
Phil was a great husband, Dad, and Papa. He loved his family unconditionally.
He is proceeded in death by: his parents, Willie Roy “Bill” and Elvira Gillet; His mother-and father-in-law, Henry and Sudie Clark; his brother, Donald Ray Gillet, his sisters, JoAnn Mcfarland; and Mary Ellen Pohlemann.
He is survived by: his wife, Ann; his son, Phillip Jr. and Clara Carabes; his daughter Amanda Moll and Devin, his favorite and only grandson, Jacob Phillip Moll; his brothers, Wayne Gillet, Jimmy Dale Gillet and Judy; his sisters; Margaret Teague, Patricia Climer, Mollie Scatena and Nic, Diane Matthews, Evelyn Holt, and lots of special cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.