Clarence Gilles, Jr., Lt. Col USAF (Ret.), 88, of Bement, IL, passed away at 11:58 a.m., Sunday, January 11, 2015 at Carle Foundation Hospital, Urbana, IL.

A memorial mass was celebrated in his honor on January 15, 2015 at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Ivesdale, IL; Rev. Father Patrick Riordan officiated.

Colonel Gilles was born March 8, 1926 in Pesotum, IL, son of Clarence Gilles and Margaret Scheurich Gilles. He is survived by his wife of nearly 60 years, Joan E. Hathaway, RN of Greenville, ME; his son, Michael C. Gilles of Missoula, MT; his daughter, Ann Gilles Linden of Portsmouth, OH; his daughter, Lisa Gilles-Petruna of Houston, TX; his brother, Stan Gilles of Champaign, IL; and his sister, Beth Koehnemann of Phoenix, AZ.

Colonel Gilles was a regular Air Force Officer with 24 years active duty; a command pilot with over 8,000 hours; a veteran of World War II and the Korean and Vietnam Conflicts; and an avid private pilot from 1942 until 1997. He was also a graduate of the University of Nebraska-Omaha.

Col. Gilles was a member of the Retired Officers Association, the Air Force Association, the Experimental Aircraft Association, Knights of Columbus, and the American Legion.

Col. Gilles will be buried at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, VA.

Contributions in his memory may be made to the veteran's organization or charity of your choice.

Online condolences may be shared via hilligossshraderfh.com