Wiiliam E. Gilbert
Dec. 27, 1925-July 16, 2009
William E. Gilbert, 83, of Barron Lake Road, Niles, MI, died at 2:30 p.m. Thursday, July 16, 2009, at his home following an extended illness.
He was born on December 27, 1925 in South Bend, IN, to Donald R. and Bernice (Finn) Gilbert. He graduated from Niles High School in 1945 and was a lifetime resident of Niles. He was a veteran of World War II having served in the United States Marine Corps, where he earned the rank of corporal and was stationed in the South Pacific. He retired in 1987 as a design engineer from National-Standard Company in Niles. He later drove cars for eight years for Jordan Motors.
William was a member of the Pokagon United Methodist Church in Niles. He was a charter member of the Howard Township fire Department, where he served many years as its treasurer. In 1968, he began serving as a reserve deputy with the Cass County Sheriff's Department. He was active in volunteer work and was a community helper.
On May 10, 1947 in Berrien Springs, MI he first married Mary E. Austin) Gilbert, who preceded him in death on March 3, 1985. He later married on June 14, 1986 in Niles, Janie (Dempsey) VanLue Gilbert who survives. He is also survived by his children, Nancy (Dale) Chadderdon of Techmseh, MI, Linda (Dan) Gustafson of Saint Joseph, MI, and Larry (Kolleen) Gilbert of Niles; grandchildren, Mary Kay (Allan) Brown of Schaumburg, IL, Andrew Gustafson of Saint Joseph and Reanna (Scott) Lennox of Niles; great-grandchildren, Nathan Allan Brown, Trevor Scott Lennox and Jordon Lennox; stepchildren, Linda (Steve) Kijawa of Edwardsburg, MI, Merri (John Bagwell of Buchanan, MI, and Daniel (Pam) Vanlue of Niles; step-grandchildren, Julie (Mark) Williams, Melissa (Mike) Cook, Laurie Barnes, Angela (Billy) Rocke, James Vanlue, Cody Kujawa, Brennden Keen, Rob Lewis and Tiffany Lewis; step-great-grandchildren, Alexis Reagan, Tony Parris, Abby Parris, Garret Williams, Carter Williams, Delainey Reagan, D.J. Bagwell, Eiva Vedia, Kaylin Rocke, Jora Barnes, James Barnes, Chase Rocke and Dustin Rocke.
He was preceded in death by his grandson, O'Rion Gilbert in 1992; stepson, Kenneth Vanlue; step-grandson Sam Reagan and step-great-grandson, Parker Williams.
The funeral services for William E. Gilbert will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, July 20 in Pokagon United Methodist Church, Niles with Rev. Patricia Haas officiating.
Interment will be at Silverbrook Cemetery, Niles, where military honors will be preformed by the United States Marine Corps Honor Guard.
The family will receive relatives and friends from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday in Halbritter Funeral Home, Niles.
Contributions in memory of William may be made to Pokagon Untied Methodist Church of Hospice At Home, 4025 Health Park Lane, Saint Joseph, MI 49085.