Richard

Gillard

Richard Dennis "Moose" Gillard, 81, of Paulding, passed away on Sept. 28 in Palm Springs, Calif.

Family and friends will lay him to rest at 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 3, at Upthegrove Cemetery. Den Herder Funeral Home, Pauldling, is handling local arrangements.

Richard was born July 7, 1937, the 11th child of James Edward Gillard and Myrtle Mae Gillard Page (nee Miller). He graduated Paulding High School Class of '56, where his athletic ability and size earned him the nickname "Moose." He went on to play basketball and football at Findlay College before serving in the United States Army. He was honorably discharged in 1962. He settled in southern California where he began his long career in aerospace. Much to the surprise of family and friends, Richard held top secret security clearances, and was part of the legendary Lockheed Skunkworks team.

He is survived by his beautiful wife and companion, Sandra; son, Eric; sister, Phyllis Turner of Louisville, Ky.; brother, Joseph Gillard, Long Beach, Calif.; and a host of nieces and nephews.