Harold E. Gilbert

GILBERT, Harold E. “Gil”, age 78 of Dayton, passed away on Tuesday, October 18, 2016, after a brief illness. He is preceded in the death by his parents Lonzo and Ailene Gilbert and brother Hal Long. He is survived by his wife Kathy Gilbert, daughters and sons-in-law, Carol and Ty Hay, Debbie and Jerry Ruef, sons, Steve and Zack Gilbert, grandchildren, Jeremy, Ashley, Michael, Jeff, Kristen, Robin, Allysa and Ashley Elizabeth, 10 great-grandchildren, sisters Judy Griffin and Linda (Richard) Humphrey, brother Lonnie (Margie) Long, cousin Ed Horner ,numerous nieces and nephews and faithful companion Buddy. Gil had worked for Hewitt Soap, owned Gil's Pizza Shack and was a painting contractor. He was a legendary jokester and prankster. He loved his family, fishing and beer. The more beer he drank, the bigger the fish got. He took great joy in sharing his love of fishing with his children and grandchildren. Now he's fishing with his brother, Hal, who taught him to fish. You could always count on him to arrive late and leave early. True to form he left us before we were ready for him to go. A gathering for family and friends will be held at the Dayton Firefighters Activity Center, 3616 Needmore Rd., Dayton, on November 5, from 1-4 pm. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Dayton or an animal rescue of your choice. Condolences can be expressed to the family at www.tobiasfuneralhome.com.