Robert "Bob" Harlan Gilbert
1936 - 2020
Robert “Bob” Harlan Gilbert passed away on September 27, 2020, at the Redbud Village Nursing Home in Plainville, at the age of 84.
He was born on March 12, 1936, in Plainville to Harlan and Doris (Phillips) Gilbert. He married Joan “Jody” Maxine Waterman on February 15, 1958 in Plainville. They were blessed with three children: Brad, Melane, and Michele.
Bob attended school in Plainville and graduated from Plainville High School with the Class of 1954. He then attended four years at Fort Hays State College, graduating in 1965 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business. He worked for the State of Kansas as an Income Maintenance Supervisor, Area Supervisor, and Office Manager of Hill City SRS. He retired in 1998 after working 30 plus years for the State of Kansas.
Bob was the epitome of a faithful servant. His Catholic faith was paramount in his life and he served as a lector and lay minister for St. Ann’s Church, Zurich until his health declined. He spent his working years helping those less fortunate finding resources to better their lives and their families’ lives. He was an active member of the Palco Lions Club, volunteering many hours doing community projects. He also served on the Palco school board for several years. In his younger years he played minor league baseball for a farm team for the Philadelphia Phillies (Van Johnson) out of Great Bend; but once he got older he settled for any televised sport—especially KU basketball, Royals baseball, and Kansas City Chiefs or being outside fishing or hunting. Bob was a man of few words, quiet by nature, and had an extreme love for his wife and family—especially his grandkids. As his health began to fail, he still managed to attend many of his grandkids' sporting events with the help of his never-failing wife Jody.
It has been said, “Kindness is like a seed that when cultivated will continue to grow." Bob was a man who loved his Lord, Jesus Christ, and passed that love on to his family so it would continue to grow and be nurtured in their lives. He tended to the hearts and souls of all who knew him and made a legacy that will continue to grow for eternity in the lives of his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and all who knew him.
He is survived by his children, Brad Gilbert and wife Diane of S. Hutchinson, Melane Gilbert of Great Bend, and Michele Hixon and husband Troy of Plainville; siblings, Harry (Mary) Gilbert of Houston, TX, Dennis (Cindy) Gilbert of Neodesha, Anita (Doug) Wilson of Lyles, TN, and Chris Gilbert of Chanute; three grandchildren, Taylor (Kyle) David of Wichita, Nick (Jordan) Hixon of Wichita, and Samantha (Brodie) Pfannenstiel of Plainville; and four great-grandchildren, Finn, Wesley, and Duke Pfannenstiel, and Brenna David.
Bob is preceded in death by his wife, Jody Gilbert; sister Pat Bogard; brother Carl Gilbert; and brother-in-law Jim Bogard.
A private family Mass of Christian Burial will be held. There will be no public visitation.
Memorials are suggested to the Sacred Heart School or Sacred Heart Catholic Church and may be sent in care of Plumer-Overlease Funeral Home, 320 SW 2nd, Plainville, KS 67663.
