Clois Gilleland

Clois F. Gilleland, 1918 to 2007, age 89, departed this life June 19, 2007, at his LaPorte home where he lived for the past 50 years. Born June 3, 1918, in Cheek, Okla., to C.K. Gilleland and Jessie Mack Gilleland, he was one of nine children; one sister, Eunice Primmer of Bishop, Calif., survives. During his lifetime, he was in the CCC camp in Beulah, served in Company G 179th Infantry in the National Guard, and at 21, enlisted in the U.S. Army and trained at various bases in the United States. On June 4, 1943, he landed in Sicily and made the Anzio Beachhead, then was captured Feb. 17. On Feb. 28, he escaped and was recaptured March 20 and put on starvation ration for one month. Clois was sent to Stalag VIIA and then moved to IIIB on Aug. 31. On Jan. 30, he left IIIB at night and walked seven days and one night on a forced march, arriving at IIIA on Feb. 7. Clois received his first letter from home in October and on Dec. 18, his first parcel from home, which said, "Cigarettes from Dad." He received his first parcel from the Red Cross since leaving IIIB, which he had to share with three other men, but he was too sick to eat. Christmas Day, they received a package per man, and then there was one package per man per week. On April 20, word came that our troops were coming. He waited until May 6 for the trucks to arrive; and on May 7, he had his first real meal in 16 months. He arrived back in the United States in the last part of May 1945. Clois received the Purple Heart and various service ribbons. Mr. Gilleland married Thelma Hixson Gilleland on June 7, 1946, and one son, Gregory, was born to this union. They celebrated 60 years of marriage in their home recently. Mr. Gilleland was a union carpenter for 57 years. He was also a member of the American Legion and life member of the Elks. Survivors include his wife, Thelma of LaPorte; a son, Gregory Gilleland, his wife, Cathy, three grandchildren, Sean, Ashley and Colin; and many nieces and nephews. A graveside service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at Fort Logan National Cemetery, Denver. Interment will follow, and the Denver All Veterans Honor Guard and the U.S. Army will officiate the service. Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Association in care of Bohlender Funeral Chapel, 121 W. Olive St., Fort Collins, CO 80524. Friends may send condolences to the family at www.bohlenderfuneralchapel.com .