Gerald Gilbert, 93, of Grove, OK, went to be with his Lord and Saviour on Monday, January 29, 2024.
He was born May 15, 1930 in Los Angeles, CA. He was preceded in death by his first wife Mattie Louise Conley Gilbert, sister Mary Louise Gilbert Freeny and step-son Mark D. Spradlin. His second wife Ida survives him and they enjoyed 28 happy years together.
In addition to his wife Ida M. Gilbert, he is survived by 2 step-daughters, Teresa (Everett) Weeks-Rudluff, Debra Lynn (Eugene) Hucke; a nephew Wade (Monica) Freeny; a niece, Susan (Brad)Springer; 6 grandkids, 14 great grandkids and a grand niece and nephew.
Gerald was a 1947 graduate of Broken Arrow High School and then went on to graduate from Tulsa University earning a degree in Petroleum Engineering.
After college he enlisted in the Army and served two years in intelligence.
He was employed by Exxon Mobil Corporation for 33 years before retiring in 1988.
He has stayed busy the last 36 years with his involvement in various civic, fraternal and volunteer organizations.
Gerald was a member of MENSA International and The Gideons International. He also did volunteer work for Meals on Wheels and served as past president for the Broken Arrow Seniors organization.
He was a graduate of the Master Gardener Program earning awards for his many volunteer hours. Gerald has also served as past President for over 20 years of the Tulsa Chapter of the Exxon Mobil Retiree Club.
His hobbies included boating, fishing, swimming, bowling, puzzles, board games and of course dominoes.
He was an avid athlete, earning medals as an Ironman Triathlete in his younger years and maintained a regular workout program at the YMCA.
Gerald enjoyed traveling with his wife, family and friends and he and Ida have been on numerous trips, cruises and camp outs.
He has been actively involved in his two church homes, Suncrest Baptist in Tulsa and Grace Harbor in Grove for the past 28 years.
Gerald led a long, happy and fulfilled life blessing all who knew him.
Viewing will be on Wednesday from 12-8 PM with the family receiving friends 4-7 PM at Moore Southawn Chapel 9350 E. 51" St., Tulsa. The funeral will 10 AM Thursday, February 1 at Grace Harbor Church in Grove. The committal service will be at 2:30 PM at the Memorial Park Cemetery mausoleum complex in Tulsa.