Willard Gilbert

Willard J. Gilbert , 69, a resident of Churubusco, passed away at 12:41 pm on Friday, May 25, 2012 at Parkview Regional Medical Center in Fort Wayne. Mr. Gilbert was born on December 6, 1942 in Churubusco, a son of Oscar E. and Icellee (Winebrenner) Gilbert. He spent his formative years in Churubusco, and graduated from Churubusco High School in 1960. On April 3, 1964 he was married in Albion to Carol Sue Winebrenner. He was employed at Navistar, and retired in 1994 after 30 years. His spouse preceded him in death on March 9, 1986. The surviving relatives include a son Andrew (LeAnn) Gilbert of Albion, a daughter Carrie (Jim) Harris of Churubusco; a brother Arden (Loretta) Gilbert of Aurora, Ill; four sisters Valda Hansen, Ruth Wait, and Alice Conrow all of Churubusco, Mary Stolte of Albion, four grandchildren, Ryan Harris and Victoria Harris both of Churubusco, Ashley Gilbert and Tyler Gilbert both of Albion. He was preceded in death by his brothers Walter A. and Paul Gilbert; and a sister Sarah Smith. At the request of the family, funeral services will be private.e Rev. Timothy Grable, pastor of Sugar Grove Church of God, will officiate. The family will receive friends at the Sheets & Childs Funeral Home from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm Monday. For those who wish, memorials may be directed to Churubusco History Center. **************************************