Frederick Gilbert

Frederick Gilbert, 78, of Fort Wayne, IN, passed away at Parkview Regional Medical Center on April 17, 2025. Fred was born in Wolf Lake on January 17, 1947, to the late Edward E. and Freda (Wise) Gilbert. He grew up in Churubusco, IN. He graduated from Churubusco High School in 1965 before earning a B.A. from Indiana University and an M.A. from Wayne State University. Fred served over 4 years in Turkey with the U.S. Air Force and later operated the Turkish-American Association of Adana with the State Department. While in Turkey, he married Coreen G. McCoy on November 2, 1973. Coreen preceded Fred in death on February 19, 2025, after 51 years of marriage. Upon returning to the U.S., Fred devoted 36 years to social work, becoming a beacon of hope for 29 refugee communities in Fort Wayne. His remarkable journey as a refugee advocate began in 1975 with Vietnamese and Laotian communities and extended to Somali Bantu families and waves of Karen-Burmese seeking safety from persecution. Even in retirement, Fred remained a respected and active advocate for the community at local, state, and national levels. A man of diverse and eclectic interests, Fred enjoyed collecting skeletons, crafting bone exhibits and steam engines, stargazing, and indulging in scientific curiosities. His craftsmanship and handiwork extended through his farm, paying homage to what he cared for most: his family. Fred is survived by his sons, Dan (Julie) and Joe (Cyndi) Gilbert; his brother, Thomas (Sue) Gilbert; his sister, Ellen Jeffries; and five beloved grandchildren, Damon, Ellie, Chase, Delaney, and Emmie. In addition to his parents and wife, he is preceded in death by his siblings, Charlie, Edward, and Sarah Gilbert. The Funeral Service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, April 25, 2025, at Sheets & Childs Funeral Home, Churubusco Chapel, with calling beginning at 9:00 a.m. The family will also receive family and friends at the Funeral Home on Thursday, April 24, 2025, from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. Burial will follow with Military Honors at the Eel River Cemetery, Churubusco, IN. Memorials may be directed to PBS or the Churubusco American Legion. Sheets & Childs Funeral Home has been entrusted with these arrangements.