Gilbert, Willis Eugene 1924-1984

GILBERT, ESSEX, TIMM, FLANAGAN, BINNING, DUNBAR, PARKER

Posted By: Pat Jolley
Date: 8/19/2012 at 11:20:54

Willis Eugene Gilbert of Leon, formerly of Grinnell, was buried Saturday afternoon, Dec. 29 at Ivy Hill Cemetery, Malcom, following services at Trinity Lutheran Church with the Rev. Gerald Brown officiating. Rites were held that morning at Slade-Duerr Funeral Home in Leon with Hubert Hackler officiating. Graveside military rites were conducted by the Grinnell American Legion Post.

Mr. Gilbert 60, died Thursday, Dec. 27, at Mercy Hospital, Des Moines.

He was the son of Sherman and Frances Essex Gilbert and was born Aug. 18, 1924, at Grinnell. He served in the Navy during WWII after graduating from Montezuma High School. On October 20, 1946, he was married to Lucille Timm. He worked for the Postal Service at Grinnell and operated service stations before being employed by Iowa Southern Utilities Co. The company transferred him to Leon 24 years ago. He was a member of the Lutheran Church and the American Legion.

He is survived by his wife, three daughters, Rebecca Flanagan of Carroll, Sharon Binning of Blue Springs, Mo., and Barbara Dunbar of Savannah, Mo., two sons, Gary of Des Moines and Randy of Iowa City; seven grandchildren; his mother, Mrs. Frances Gilbert of New Sharon, a sister, Rosemary Parker of Des Moines; and a brother, George Gilbert of Lovilia. He was preceded in death by his father, a brother and an infant son.

An open memorial fund has been established.