DAVID GILLISPIE
LIMA — Sgt. David R. Gillispie, 43, died Monday, March 21, 2016, in Spencerville, Ohio.
Gillispie was a Police Sergeant with the Lima Police Department (Ohio) serving his community with distinction and honor for nearly 20 years.
He was born in Circleville, Ohio on February 26, 1973, son of David R. and Ruth McNeil Gillispie. He was proceeded in death by his father. His mother survives in Chillicothe, Ohio. On September 9, 2002 he married Tara M. Whitling, who survives along with five children; Miranda and David Gillispie, both of Cincinnati; Keaton, Landyn and Ella Gillispie, all at home and his mother and father-in-law, John and "Momma Dee" Whitling of Spencerville.
He was appointed to the Lima Police Department as a patrolman on September 4,1996. He served in the U.S. Air Force and was a 1992 graduate of Circleville High School. Dave was assigned to work as a community police officer in the north end of Lima from June 9, 1999 to 2002. In 2000 Officer David Gillispie was assigned to work with the Lima-Allen county Narcotics Task Force. Officer Gillispie performed his duties well, working varied hours without complaint. He was able to utilize his skills in areas within his C.O.P territories.
Officer Gillispie was a member of the SWAT team which is now known as ETU (Enhanced Tactical Unit). He was also assistant commander of this unit. On September 22, 2012, Officer Gillispie was promoted to the position of sergeant. His recent assignment was supervising third shift patrol. Sgt. Gillispie was a member of the LPD Bike team and honor guard. He was appointed as an investigator working with the FBI on the Northwest Ohio Violent Crimes against Children Task Force. In 2010 he received the outstanding service award for his work and efforts while investigating crimes against children.
In 2014, Sgt. Gillispie was named Ohio's Finest Law Enforcement Officer. The Ohio Fraternal Order of Police awarded Sergeant David Gillispie Ohio's Finest Law Enforcement Officer Award. He was one of 10 officers from around the state of Ohio up for the award. The 19 year veteran of the Lima Police force was also named Law Officer of the Year by the Lima Exchange Club earlier that year.
Sgt. Gillispie was the officer that was attacked outside the Lima Police Station in March of 2013 by an assailant with a screwdriver. Gillispie was stabbed in the attack and defended himself by shooting and wounding the assailant.
He attended Only Believe Ministries in Botkins; was a member of the FOP Lodge#21 in Lima and a member of the Ohio Tactical Officers Association. He was a devoted and loving husband and father who enjoyed fishing and playing with his children. He truly loved every aspect of his job and the people he worked with. He excelled at everything he put his mind to at work; he was a tactical genius, repelled from tall buildings and enjoyed being part of the bike team.
Friends may call from 2-4 and 6-8 PM Friday, March 25 at the THOMAS E. BAYLIFF FUNERAL HOME at 728 East Fourth Street (St.Rt. 117 East) in Spencerville. A FOP memorial service will be conducted at 8 PM.
Funeral services will be at 1 PM on Saturday, March 26 at the SHAWNEE ALLIANCE ACTIVITY CENTER 4450 Shawnee Road, Lima, Ohio, with Pastor Peter Doseck officiating. Internment will immediately follow in the Gethsemani Cemetery in Lima. Graveside services will be conducted by the Lima Police Department Honor Guard. Visitation on Saturday is from 12 to 1 PM at the center.
Memorial contributions may be made to the family.
Condolences may be sent to tbayliff @woh.rr.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Roger Spencer
March 17, 2019
Thoughts of you are many,and often.I don't consider that your away, but always keeping watch over us.
We are proud of you.And miss you.
Amy Dunlap
April 5, 2016
David, you accomplished so much. Thanks for the good memories from the earlier years. You will be greatly missed. Rest in Peace.
CORA IRONS/INGRam
March 30, 2016
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
Rob Phillips
March 28, 2016
Rest In Peace, Dave
Elizabeth Whitney
March 26, 2016
God bless the Gillispie family. Please Lord, send the Holy Spirit to bring peace and comfort to the Gillispie family, friends, co-workers and all who were blessed to know David. To Mrs. Gillispie and the children: Your husband/father is with you in spirit, always. You are never alone. Every time you share loving memories, speak his name or even think of your beloved husband/father... he can hear you and will always be watching over you. The love you shared is the light that shines within your hearts forever and ever. Amen.
Patrick Thompson
March 25, 2016
David, you can rest, we have the watch! It's is with a very heavy heart that we say good bye. From days of training on the EST team to hours spent on our police bikes. It's been has been a honor to serve with you!
Cheryl kelly
March 25, 2016
Our deepest sympathies
roger spencer
March 25, 2016
Im so sorry to hear the news about David.My thoughts and prayers are with Ruthie,Briana his family and his extended police family
His Grandpa and Grandma were proud of him as well as i..
Peace my son.
Roger
mark cavinder
March 25, 2016
deepest condolences from the Cavinder family we love you Tara
Aaron Spencer
March 25, 2016
I have many fond memories of David as a young child. So very sorry to hear of this news.
Deborah Ratliff (Palmer)
March 25, 2016
It was an honor to serve with you.
Laurel Neufeld Weaver
March 25, 2016
I had the privilege of working side by side with Gill with survivors of crime, he treated each one with dignity and care. I hope all family and friends find comfort in this difficult time. Your husband and Dad was passionate about injustice. His spirit will be missed. May God's spirit of comfort surround you.
Pam Sinica
March 25, 2016
Deepest condolences. Dave was a great guy.
Josh Reichelderfer
March 25, 2016
I pray for your family and I'm glad to have called you my friend
Jonathan Horne
March 25, 2016
Rest in Peace Brother.
Shane and Paula Stabler
March 25, 2016
U are missed my friend.
Victor Whiskey Papa Delta Four Niner Fife
Cpl. Jay Grindell
March 24, 2016
May you're soul rest in peace and you're family be comforted by the legacy you left behind as a true hero.
Nikki Snider
March 24, 2016
One of the finest men I knew and worked with. May you now find eternal peace. God bless and watch over your family.
Mrs. Langhals
March 24, 2016
Landon, I am so sorry to hear about your father. My mom always told me God only took the good people and your dad was definitely a good person. Let me know if I can help you in any way. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Jacqueline Bush
March 24, 2016
Rest in peace Gill
Cheri Devors
March 24, 2016
Love and prayers as God cradles you my sweet friend.
Gene and Aura Mason
March 24, 2016
Rest in Peace. Thank you for your service
Gloria Hokanson
March 24, 2016
You were an inspiration to all. Thank you for all you have done for our city and beyond. RIP Sgt. Gillespie. We will never forget you.
March 24, 2016
March 24, 2016
March 24, 2016
Debi Williams
March 24, 2016
Your service was unmatched. Thank you.
Ron & Darlene Tullis
March 24, 2016
Blessed are the Peacemakers! The world's loss, is Heaven's gain of a true hero. All our prayers are with the family, & all the officers & friends.
Brandon Moore
March 24, 2016
Sgt David gillispie man words can explain what we use to Do when id come in the station and talk with you and other officers but out of em all you was my most favorite person to talk to i remember what you told me as well lights Sirens action outta the way ppl i really am gonna miss you man from the first time i met and shook your hand you was a true friend to me i remember all the things you taught me as well through out our times we was talking man i still cant believe your gone i will light a candle in your honor i know your gonna be watching over everyone as Our Lpd men and women work everyday you all are nice men and women especially you Dave may god let you rest we have lost a good man a heck of a nice gentlemen R.i.p Sgt Davie Gillispie Fly high Angel It Really breaks my hearts to see you gone man i love and miss you very much buddie Rest in heaven Sgt David Gillispie End of watch March 21st 2016 Gone but never forgotten
sheila deitsch
March 24, 2016
My prayers to the family so sorry for your loss
Joyce Himes
March 24, 2016
Tara, you and the kids are in my prayers.
Doris Franklin
March 24, 2016
You will be missed but never forgotten
Gil Torres
March 24, 2016
I never had a chance to meet Sgt Gillespie, but I know he was a mentor to Stephen, and the other young patrolmen/women who served with him. Our deepest sympathy. RIP.
Tiffany Najmulski
March 24, 2016
I'm completely heartbroken.Funny,dedicated and good memories are what comes to mind when thinking of Dave Gillispie. He wasn't just a co-worker he was a friend. I pray that all who love him find consolation in the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen
Rob & Malissa Homan
March 24, 2016
There are no words at times like these....prayers for the Family. May you find comfort knowing this special man is resting in the arms of Jesus. Sincerely...
Brian Gettinger
March 24, 2016
"Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God".
Matthew 5:9
Thoughts and prayers.
Maureen Teman
March 24, 2016
May God bless this family and provide strength. My deepest sympathy to you, Tara.
John Allen
March 24, 2016
Gonna miss our humorous interactions at Common Pleas Court, one helluva brother.
Melissa Offenbacher
March 24, 2016
Prayers are with the family during this difficult time.
Carolyn Clary
March 24, 2016
You will be so sadly missed. RIP David.
LT Peter "Doc" Wight (retired) Wight
March 24, 2016
LT Peter "Doc" Wight (retired) Wight
March 24, 2016
R Gable
March 23, 2016
"Gillis-Pie" it was a pleasure to call you friend. You served this community well and we thank you for it. Rest my friend...
Jim Frisby
March 23, 2016
My heart is heavy brother. Rest in Heaven my brother in blue. We'll meet again another day.....until then you'll be missed.
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Funeral services provided by:
Thomas E. Bayliff Funeral Home - Spencerville728 E. Fourth Street State Route 117 East, Spencerville, OH 45887
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