Robert E. Gilbert, age 56, died on Saturday, December 23, 2017 at 7:32 p.m. at his residence. 

          He was born on February 14, 1961 in Lima, Ohio to Robert E. and Marjorie A. (Deubler) Gilbert.  Both are deceased.  Robert married Jane M. Ericson on March 15, 2013 and she survives in Kenton, Ohio.  He was formerly married to Kathy (Friedrich) Rison of Van Wert, Ohio.

          Robert attended Delphos Jefferson High School. He was employed for nearly 26 years at Grief Brothers in Van Wert, Ohio.  Robert then worked at Lakeside ProBass shop in Lakeview, Ohio.    Robert was a U.S. Army Veteran serving from 1983-1986.  He was a former member of the Van Wert American Legion Post #178 and Van Wert Moose Lodge #1320.  He was an avid fisherman; loved NASCAR and he played bass guitar in several bands.  He loved the O.S.U. Buckeyes.

          Also surviving are his children: Christina A. Gallimore of Convoy, Robert E. (Brittany) Gilbert, Jr. of Van Wert and Maria R. Gilbert of Ohio City. Grandchildren: Joscelynn G. Gallimore, Blake A. Wagoner, Jacoby D. Gallimore, Summer R. Gilbert, Carson D. Gilbert;  five brothers: Franklin C. Gilbert of Van Wert, Steven D. Gilbert of Kalida, Michael P. (Susanne) Gilbert of Ft. Jennings, John A. (LaToshia) Gilbert of Columbia City, Indiana and Jason A. Gilbert of Van Wert; two sisters: Rhonda K. Brown of Kalida and Rebecca L. (Benjamin) Williams of Kalida; Step-children: Jessica Ericson of Connersville, Indiana, Andrea (Jesse) Boyd of Alger, Daniel Helton of Vandalia, Danielle Helton of Kenton, Jadyn Jones of Kenton and Nicole N. Jones of Kenton; step-grandchildren: Camdyn Boyd, Ava Helton, Sarah Harris, Adam Harris, Olivia Harris, Kiegan Boyd and Grayson Slone.

Funeral services will begin at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, December 29, at Hanson-Neely Funeral Home, Alger with Pastor Kevin Stirratt.   Burial will be in Roundhead Cemetery, Roundhead, Ohio.  A graveside military service will be held by the Ada VFW Post #9381 Honor Guard.

Friends may call from 2:00 to 4:00 and 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, December 28, at Hanson-Neely Funeral Home, Alger and until time of service on Friday at the funeral home.

          In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the benevolence of the family in care of Hanson-Neely Funeral Home P.O. Box 41, Alger, Ohio 45812