HAZEN, Ark. — Memorial services for Claude G. Gillette Jr., 81, of Hazen, Ark., who died Friday, March 4, 2011, at Stuttgart Hospital, were 2 p.m. Sunday, March 6, 2011, at Hazen First United Methodist Church with the Rev. Carolyn Doering officiating.

Mr. Gillette was born Nov. 28, 1929, in Stuttgart, Ark., the son of Claude G. Sr. and Ruby Thomasson Gillette.

He was a graduate of Tulane University, a naval lieutenant JG, a graduate of Oklahoma State University and a practicing veterinarian for 45 years. He was a member of the Partners of the Americas and made five teaching trips to Bolivia, South America. He was a member of the faculty of the Universidad Boliviana “Gabriel Rene Moreno” where he taught and worked with the native farmer population.

Claude was an active member of the Hazen First United Methodist Church and wherever he lived, he sang in the church choir and taught Sunday school.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one sister, Nan Owen; and one niece, Nancy Davis.

Survivors include his wife of 58 years, Betty; two sons, Dr. Gabriel Gillette of West Memphis, Tenn. and John Gillette and wife, Marinell, of Alexander, Ark.; three daughters, Dorothy Garrity and husband, Byron, of Natchez, Dr. Mary Henkel of Stuttgart, Ark., and Elizabeth Fitzpatrick and husband, Lloyd, of Denton, Texas; and nine grandchildren, Elizabeth, Stephanie, Katherine and Charles Henkel, Derrick, Sarah, Thomas, Daniel and Joseph Garrity.