Ed grew up in Kansas City, Kansas where he attended Washington High School. He obtained his undergraduate degree from the University of Kansas and his Juris Doctorate in 1984 from Washburn University.
Ed practiced law for over thirty years, and was a prominent attorney in the Kansas City area. He was the founder and principal of the Gillette Law Firm, and was licensed to practice in the State Courts of Kansas and Missouri, the U.S. District Courts in the District of Kansas, the Western District of Missouri Federal Court, as well as the Supreme Court of the United States of America. Ed was recognized as a top trial lawyer in both criminal and civil practice on numerous occasions throughout his career and is one of a very select group of attorneys to win both a civil case and a criminal case in the Kansas Supreme Court.
Aside from Ed's thriving law practice he was recognized nation-wide as a collector. He loved to travel and was an avid collector of many things.
Ed was also active in the community and in politics. He sat as Pro Tem Municipal Judge in Kansas City, Kansas. He also served as Chairman of the Wyandotte County Parks and Recreation Board, City Councilman and President of the Edwardsville City Council, Member of the Mid-America Regional Council Board, Member of Governor Kathleen Sebelius’ Transition Team, and Member of the Kansas Gaming Committee.
Ed leaves many lifelong friends and as they can tell you he was one of a kind, passionate, generous, and fun-loving. He will be deeply missed by his friends, family, and all who knew him.
Ed was predeceased by his mother and father, Mercyl and William (Bill) Gillette. Ed is survived by his wife Janice Monslow Gillette, two step children Kathryn Steinbrink Case (Mark Case), Leslie Bradish (Billy Gibson), and two grandchildren Anthony and Caitlyn. Surviving siblings are Michael (Anita) Gillette, Carol Morris, and Gary (Jackie) Gillette, as well as numerous nieces and nephews and grand-nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Monday, January 11 at Open Door Baptist Church, 3033 N. 103rd Terrace, Kansas City, KS; followed by a funeral service at 1:00 p.m. Interment will be at Chapel Hill Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to Crossroads Hospice, 11150 Thompson Ave, Lenexa, KS 66219.
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