Lawrence D. Gilbert

Lawrence Darnell Gilbert passed away on Monday, July 22, 2013, in Independence, Kansas at the age of 87 years, eleven months and ten days. Larry was born in Ponca City, Oklahoma on August 12, 1925. He was the son of L.D. and Garnet E. (Halley) Gilbert. As a young man Larry grew up in Ponca City where he began his education and graduated from Ponca City High School with the Class of 1943. Following high school Larry enrolled at Northern Oklahoma College in Tonkawa. After two years at NOC Larry furthered his education at Oklahoma A&M in Stillwater. Larry was later inducted into the service of his country on September 24, 1946, into the United States Army. Larry completed his basic training and served time in Japan before being honorably discharged on June 17, 1947. Private Larry Gilbert returned to Ponca City and accepted a position at the Security Bank. During his time at the bank, Larry renewed his relationship with the love of his life, Marjorie Sue Goodwin. Their relationship had begun prior to his military service. The couple was united in marriage on May 21, 1950. The couple established their initial home in Ponca City before making their home in Blackwell in early 1955. While residing in Blackwell, Larry was a member of the First Christian Church where he was a very active member. Larry and Sue raised their children in Blackwell until 1975. At that time Larry and Sue moved to Cleveland, Oklahoma where he accepted a position as Vice President of The Cleveland Bank. Larry continued working at The Cleveland Bank until his retirement in 1987. Larry was very active in Kiwanis. He was former president of the Cleveland and Blackwell Clubs as well as many other positions and titles. Larry was also very active in the Chamber of Commerce for many years. His activities in Kiwanis and Chamber have helped many individuals as well as businesses prosper in the communities where he lived. In 1964, Larry was also President of the Kay County Tuberculosis Association. Most of all in life Larry was a devout Christian and member of the First Christian Church in Cleveland. He and Sue have worked tirelessly in many capacities of the church and he was a former Deacon of the First Christian Church. Following retirement Larry was able to spend more time with family and tinker on cars which he loved to do. Larry was a good man devoted to his family as well as willing to help others in need. Survivors are his two sons Kent and Stephanie Gilbert of Austin, Texas, Mark and Pearl Gilbert of Independence, Kansas; two brothers George Alan Gilbert of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, Jack Gilbert of Dallas, Texas; two grandchildren Daniel Gilbert and his fiancÈe Dr. Kelly Brown of Midland, Texas, Sarah Bland and her husband Craig of Austin, Texas, two great grandchildren Molly and Mia Bland and several other relatives and friends that will mourn his passing. He was preceded in death by his parents L. D. and Garnet E. Gilbert and his wife Sue. Church services will be held 2:00 pm Thursday, July 25, 2013, at the First Christian Church with David Logsdon officiating. Burial will follow in the Woodland Cemetery under the direction of Chapman-Black Funeral Home.