Robert Clark Gilbert

Robert “Bob” Clark Gilbert age 95, of Deshler, died Thursday morning, October 5, 2023, at Brookdale Senior Center, Findlay.

His Legacy… Bob was born October 19, 1927, to Ray C. and Ethel (Laureman) Gilbert at their home in Napoleon. Bob graduated from Napoleon High School in 1947. During his high school years, he worked for the Napoleon Golf Course as a groundskeeper 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, CA receiving a degree in Airframe and Powerplant Mechanics. Bob enlisted in the United States Air Force, serving from 1950 to 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 the Gotchalk Flight School, Lenawee County Airport, Adrian, MI 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 the 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 ninetieth birthday. Bob enjoyed sporting events. He cheered on the OSU Buckeyes and attended many of the Patrick Henry High School sports. He loved the north woods and for many years enjoyed his membership with the Hiawatha Sportsman’s Club, Newberry, MI. When he and his wife Clare were still able, they could be seen riding their bikes in and around Deshler.

His Family… Robert married Mary Agnes Howe in 1950. Together they had Camila Sue Gilbert (deceased), Stanley Eugene Gilbert, Napoleon, and Hedy Kathleen (Rocky) Nelson, Marysville, OH.  In 1976 B0b married Clare Pfister and she died in 2020. Clare’s children are Dave (Jill) Pfister, Springfield, OH, Martha Davis Pfister (deceased), Ann Morret, Springboro, OH and Neil (Julie) Pfister, Napoleon. He is survived by his sister Jan (Wib) Lanzer, five grandchildren: Robert Gilbert, Ashley Gilbert, Jamie Spencer (Erik) Bishop, Chance Nelson (fiancée Kelly Slavnik), Riley Nelson (Jordan) Forry and great grandchildren: Fynn, Teagan, Callen Bishop, and Mason Forry.

His Farewell Services… Friends will be received in the Zachrich Family Funeral Home, 114 William Street, Holgate on Monday, October 9, 2023, from 2-5:00 pm with the celebration of his life at 5:00 pm. Burial will be at a later date. Memorial contributions can be made to the charity of your choice.  Please visit ZachrichFuneralHome.com to leave online condolences.