A former Nederland City Councilman died early Saturday morning. 83 year old E.T. "Sam" Gillespie served on the counsel for 24 years. He also was a crossing guard at the Highland Park Elementary for 17 years. Gillespie served his country in the U.S. Navy during WWII and was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Nederland for 48 years.

Funeral services will be 11:00 AM Monday, September 8, 2008 at the First United Methodist Church in Nederland with Rev. Malcolm Monroe officiating. Interment will follow at Oak Bluff Memorial Park in Port Neches under the direction of Broussard's in Nederland. A gathering of family and friends will be from 5 to 8 PM Sunday at the mortuary.

Mr. Gillespie is survived by his wife of 56 years Rita "Jean" Gillespie; daughter, Donna Brown and husband Billy of Hull, Daisetta; two sons, Ersline "Jim" Gillespie and wife Tina of Port Neches, Kirk Gillespie and wife Tina of Nederland; six grandsons, Evan, Ethan and Eric Brown, Tommy Gillespie, Anthony and Devin Coe; six granddaughters, Michelle, Stacey, Lindsey and Tara Gillespie, Lacey Simon and husband James, and Mindy Watkins; one great grandson, Kaden Brown and several nieces and nephews.