Duane Jerome Gillam

Duane Jerome Gillam, 73, of Cassopolis, died peacefully Saturday, February 28, 2026 in the comfort of his family’s presence.

His life began January 13, 1953 in Dowagiac, Michigan the second born of ten children born to Duane and Dorothy (Anderson) Gillam. He married Donna Lee Jordan March 14, 1979 in the Church of Cassopolis.

Duane proudly served in the United States Army from 1970 through 1976. He enjoyed wearing flashy colorful suits, hats, and shoes. He was the life of the party.  He had a love of music, mostly R&B, funk, and Blues.  He enjoyed fishing, cars, and sweets.  Duane cherished his family and was very protective of his wife and children. He was ready and willing to help anyone, in any way he could.

 Duane will be greatly missed by family and friends.  He is survived by his wife of forty-seven years, Donna Gillam; two daughters, Jalana Gillam, Shawn Jordan; two sons, Jerome (Stephanie)  Gillam, Tyrone (Katy) Enboden; five grandchildren, Jerome Enboden, Russell Hawthorne, Janay Hawthorne, Jemme Enboden, Jaliyah Gray; five sisters, Elaine (Gary) Hart, Melanie Gillam, Joy (Joe) Decker, Jean (Steve) Howard, Joan Wallace; five brothers, Jeffrey (Minnie “Liz”) Gillam, Kelly (Annette) Gillam, Damon Gillam, Trevor (Sharon) Gillam, Joey Wallace; honorary brothers, Herman “GG” Moore, Tim Bloss, Jeff Eaton, Marshal Sinclair, Tyrone Haines; Uncle Donnie Gillam; sisters-in-law, Patricia Vaughn, Adrienne (Leonard) Glover, Nanette (Nathan) Goins, Clarise Amos, Eloise (Tony) Williams; brother-in-law, Bretho Jr. (Linda) Danzy; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, Joe and Dorothy Wallace, Duane and Joyce Gillam; parents-in-law, Bretho Danzy, Sr. and Vera Danzy; two sisters, Diane Berry, Teal Jones; one brother, Darnell Gillam; sister-in-law, Kluadell Scisco; and brother-in-law, Stephen Danzy.

Family and friends will gather Saturday, March 14, 2026 from 1:00 p.m. until time of service at 2:00 p.m. in Wagner Family Funerals Connelly Chapel, 202 North Broadway Street, Cassopolis.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Wagner Family Funerals Connelly Chapel, Cassopolis. Please share a memory or a message online: wagnercares.com.

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