Donald Gilbert's Obituary
Lakeview - Donald Lee Gilbert, age 58, of Blanchard, MI, went to be with the Lord on January 15, 2016 at Mid-Michigan Health in Midland, MI. Donald was born December 13, 1957 in Greenville, MI, the son of Richard Gardner and Norma Jean (Deyarmond) Gilbert. He was raised in McBride and graduated from Montabella High School Class of 1976. Upon graduation, Donald served his country honorably in the Navy as a Plane Captain and Aircraft Mechanic working mostly with hydraulics until 1980. He was stationed at various bases in the United States and in Portugal at Azores Naval Air Station. Donald married his childhood friend and sweetheart, Rhonda Joy Stratton, on July 18, 1981 at Ferris Center Church of Christ in Vestaburg. Donald was employed by Kieff's Roofing for over 21 years and a Machine Operator over 10 years for PCA Packaging Corp. of America in Edmore. He enjoyed hunting, camping, shooting, woodworking, and volunteering with church activities. He loved spending time with his grandchildren. Donald was a member of the McBride Church of Christ and Edmore Am Vets Post 588.
Donald will be missed by his wife, Rhonda Gilbert of Blanchard; one daughter April (Kevin) Brady of Grand Rapids; one son Gabriel Gilbert (Elizabeth Proctor) of Hampton, Virginia; two grandchildren Henry "Hank" and Colin Brady; six siblings Barb (Sherman) Avery of Crystal, Darlis (Dan) McDonald of Fenwick, Georgia Ann (Dennis) Cutler of Montrose, Richard II (Denise) Gilbert of McBride, Denise (Bill) Shafer of Owosso, and Duane (Terri) Gilbert of Edmore; and many nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, cousins, church family, and friends.
Donald was preceded in death by his mother Norma Jean Gilbert, and one niece Samantha Jo Gilbert.
Services for Donald will be held on Tuesday, January 19, 2016 at 6:00 PM at Brigham Funeral Chapel in Lakeview, Michigan with Pastor Steve Dobyns officiating. Visitation for Donald will be on Monday, January 18, 2016 from 2-4 and 6-8 PM at the funeral home. A luncheon will follow the service in the Banquette Room at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, the family requests Memorial Contributions be made to the McBride Church of Christ and the Edmore Am Vets Post 588.
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