Jack Gilbert was a devoted husband, a loving father and a faithful friend. He was called home to our Heavenly Father Saturday, July 26, 2014 in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Jack was born October 17, 1926 to Napoleon Bonaparte Gilbert and Mary Ellen Gilbert (Blanton) in Spindale, North Carolina. He bravely served his country in the U. S. Air Force serving from 1944 until 1951. After the military, Jack came to Oklahoma to attend Spartan School of Aeronautics, which led him to meet the love of his life, Ruby Shell; and subsequently began his 38 year career with American Airlines.

Jack and Ruby were married April 18, 1953. They had just celebrated their 61st anniversary. Jack was a dedicated member of the First United Methodist Church; teaching Sunday school, helping in the kitchen cooking burgers and making milkshakes for the youth fellowship. He was very active in the Beacon Sunday School class, an avid coin collector, and active member of the Mohawk Post 308 American Legion, where he made many contributions monetarily as well as volunteering of his time. Jack was a dedicated blood donor with the American Red Cross and was only a pint or two from giving a total of 25 gallons. His love of airplanes led to numerous air shows, which in turn left many sore and stiff necks and sunburns for his wife and children. He loved to travel and took is family on annual summer vacations to North Carolina to visit relatives, and along the way stopped in Memphis to visit a lifelong friend Jean Kurts.

Jack's memory will be cherished by his wife, Ruby of the home, daughters Carolyn and husband Greg Smith of Texas, Teresa and husband Larry Zachary of Tulsa, son Duane and Tabitha Gilbert of Tahlequah, six grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren, two brothers, Howard Gilbert of North Carolina and Fay Gilbert of South Carolina and sister Louise Sigmon of North Carolina. Service will be 2:00 P.M., Friday, August 1, 2013 First United Methodist Church-Tulsa.