Kenneth E. Gilbert (68) of Beecher City

Kenneth E. Gilbert, 68, of Beecher City died Tuesday, March 27, 2018 at his home.

Funeral services will be at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, March 31 at Beecher City Church of Christ. Visitation will be from 5 to 8pm Friday at the church. Lockart-Green Funeral Home in Beecher City is assisting.

Ken was born on May 10, 1949, in Effingham County, the son of Ernest and Mildred (Deidiker) Gilbert. Ken attended Effingham High School, a graduate of the class of 1967. He then joined the Navy directly after graduation and went to Vietnam. Ken retired as a Chief Petty Officer, Corpsman after serving 20 years in the United States Navy. He later returned to the Effingham area to be close to his family and met and married Connie (Bowlin) Gilbert. They were married on December 21, 1991. Ken and Connie shared many wonderful years together. Ken enjoyed collecting antiques, fishing, hunting and camping. He was proud to have served his country and honored to have accompanied his father-in-law, Stanley Durbin, on the Honor Flight. Ken most enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. Family was a huge part of his life. As his health declined and his activity level changed, he enjoyed still being able to share with friends and family through Facebook. Ken was a member of the Beecher City Church of Christ. His church and church family were very important to him and an important part of his life.

Ken had two children, whom he was extremely proud of, from a previous marriage. His loving son, Dr. Thomas Gilbert, wife Jennifer, and their daughter Maria and Ken’s daughter Angela Fulara, husband Jeff and their children Ben and Paige.

Survivors include: wife, Connie; son, Tom (Jennifer) Gilbert and their child Maria of Maryland; daughter, Angela (Jeff) Fulara and their children Ben and Paige of Pennsylvania; brother, Daryl (Sandy) Gilbert of Beecher City and their children Daniel and Anny; sister, Sharon (Dave) Newman of Indiana; grandmother-in-law, Madonna Tipsword; mother-in-law, Shirley Durbin; brother-in-law, Jack (Shelley) Bowlin and their children Bridget, Jordan and stepdaughter Hallie; sister-in-law, Shellie (Tony) Witteborg and their children Olivia, Jacque and Charlie, all of Beecher City; along with several extended family members. Ken loved them all.

Ken was preceded in death by his grandparents; parents, Ernest and Mildred Gilbert; siblings: Ernest, David and Carolyn; and father-in-law, Stanley Durbin.

Family and friends are invited to share a story or light a candle in Ken’s honor by clicking here.