Robert Gilbert Obituary

Robert Clark "Bob" Gilbert

Robert Clark "Bob" Gilbert, 95, of Deshler, died Thursday morning, Oct. 5, 2023, at Brookdale Senior Center, Findlay.

Bob was born Oct. 19, 1927, at home in Napoleon, to Ray C. and Ethel (Laureman) Gilbert. Bob graduated from Napoleon High School in 1947. During his high school years, he worked for Napoleon Golf Course as a ground keeper and Snyders Auto Dealership with his good friend, Bob Snyder. From a young age, Bob had his eye to the sky, developing a passion for aircraft. After high school, he enrolled at Cal Tech Aeronautical Institute in Pasadena, California, receiving a degree in Airframe and Powerplant Mechanics. Bob enlisted in U.S. Air Force, serving from 1950-1954 (Korean War) with the majority of his service working as a radar technician at RAF Burtonwood, Cheshire, England.

Once back in the states, Bob worked at Gotchalk Flight School, Lenawee County Airport, Adrian, Michigan, as an aircraft mechanic. He was later employed as a tractor mechanic for L S Dunbar in Napoleon and offered TV tube repair service in his spare time. After the passing of his dear friend and brother-in-law, Gene Howe, Bob took up farming with his father-in-law, Albert Howe. During this time, he owned and operated Bob's Farm Shop on the farm near Grelton, repairing tractors to supplement his income and to satisfy his interest in all things mechanical. After moving to Deshler, he was employed as a salesperson at Deshler Implement Company, Deshler. From his youth, Bob was an avid model airplane hobbyist. He enjoyed building and flying model airplanes from free flight styles to radio-controlled. Bob enjoyed sharing his hobby with his children, grandchildren, nephews (Steve, Mike, and Jeff Lanzer), and anyone even remotely interested in model airplanes.

He last flew a radio-controlled model airplane at Deshler Airport on his 90th birthday. Bob enjoyed sporting events. He cheered on The Ohio State Buckeyes and attended many of the Patrick Henry High School sports. He loved the north woods and for many years, enjoyed his membership with Hiawatha Sportsman's Club, Newberry, Michigan. When he and his wife, Clare, were still able, they could be seen riding their bikes in and around Deshler.

Robert married Mary Agnes Howe in 1950. Together, they had Camila Sue Gilbert (deceased), Stanley Eugene Gilbert of Napoleon, and Hedy Kathleen (Rocky) Nelson of Marysville. In 1976, Bob married Clare Pfister and she died in 2020. Clare's children are Dave (Jill) Pfister of Springfield, Ohio, Martha Davis Pfister (deceased), Ann Morret of Springboro, and Neil (Julie) Pfister of Napoleon.

He is also survived by his sister, Jan (Wib) Lanzer; five grandchildren, Robert Gilbert, Ashley Gilbert, Jamie Spencer (Erik) Bishop, Chance Nelson (fiancée Kelly Slavnik), and Riley Nelson (Jordan) Forry; and great-grandchildren, Fynn, Teagan, Callen Bishop, and Mason Forry.

Visitation for friends will be 2 p.m. Monday, Oct. 9, 2023, until the time of Bob's celebration of life at 5 p.m. at Zachrich Family Funeral Home, 114 William Street, Holgate. Burial will be at a later date.

Memorial contributions can be made to charity of your choice.

Please visit ZachrichFuneralHome.com to leave online condolences.