Clarence A. "Bud" Gilbert

Growing up in rural KY, Bud was an accomplished all state basketball player throughout high school. At 18, he picked up his things and hitchhiked his way to the closest Navy recruitment station in Ohio to enlist. He would later remark “I let my little light shine for 38 years for my country”. For Bud, and many men his age in our country, serving in the armed forces was the ultimate sign of patriotism and responsibility. This dedication to responsibility and patriotic duty would come to shape his long life of public service.

On December 7, 1941, a day that still lives in infamy for our country, Bud was stationed in Pearl Harbor Hawaii. This day held strong in his memory as he would recount to his family, the public and the world what it meant to him to be there in one of our nation’s greatest times of need. True to his character, he forged on in the Navy and was deployed to both Japan and Korea. A fiercely proud man, it was not until later in his life that he divulged he was captured after his plane went down and held as a POW for over a year and a half. As WWII drew to a close, Bud was rescued and honored with an invitation by Admirals McCain and Nimitz to witness the signing of the Japanese Instrument of Surrender on the USS Missouri; this was a profound honor in his life and something he would reflect on often. The war and his service were a defining moment in his life and his family’s life, his sacrifice for our nation and our freedom knew no bounds.

After the war, Bud came home like many GI’s to start a family and help rebuild our country. He was the proud father of three sons and one daughter between two loving wives. By 1952, Bud was stationed in Norman as an aviation repair instructor for the Navy. Honorably discharged in May 1960, he transferred from the Navy to the Federal Aviation Administration in order to continue his service for his country. Bud put down his roots right off Hefner Parkway in 1964, this would be his base from now on. Spending days close to home, Bud devoted his life to be a father raising his daughter, Vicky with his wife Mildred.

A lot happened in this modest house off Libby Ave, Bud and Mildred enjoyed watching Vicky grow into a strong independent woman. Vicky would go on to make her father proud getting married in 1978 and graduating from the University of Oklahoma in 1979. Shortly thereafter, Bud’s heart would make more room for three grandchildren to come. Now Bud is Papa. Papa would fill our lives with joy, showing up before dawn on Christmas morning, teaching how to swing a golf club, speaking at schools on Veterans day and showing everyone how to properly kill a Bloody Mary. Always full of life and with a wink of an eye, Papa could catch your attention and make your lips crack with a smile without even trying. Until his last days, he would employ this little smirk and some side eyes to convey his thoughts without opening his mouth.

A devout man of Christ, Bud spent his Sunday mornings as a member of Crossings Church in Oklahoma City and afternoons with his family and friends. Marrying again later in life to his loving wife Judy, he opened his arms again and welcomed her into the family wholeheartedly. As time moved on, he welcomed three great grandchildren into his heart and life with a smile and a big hug. Bud was a strong man; he buried two wives before it was his time and he will be happy to share his eternal bliss with them in heaven.

As time rolled on, the years came softly to Bud. Even in his later years he enjoyed playing golf, keeping the house in shape, conversing with close friends, and spending time with his wife Judy living out their golden years together. Things were tough when Judy passed away in 2016, but Bud persevered on with sheer will and strength. These last few years were hard for Bud and his family, but they were aided with the help of some of the most compassionate and gentle caregivers in the industry. Bud was no easy patient, so these woman’s patience is not to be forgotten. Bud’s family would not have been able to offer him the comfort and stability of remaining in his own home without those who stepped forward and helped take care of him, treating him as family of their own. The family cannot overstate the gratitude for the those who surrounded him with love and comfort till his last days, Katalaine and Jason Hord, Eliza Hernandez, Andrea Rodgers, Hilda Heffron and many others over the years. Thank you from the deepest part of our hearts. Physician’s Choice Hospice based in Edmond, OK played a major role in keeping Bud comfortable and allowing him to transition peacefully with his family surrounding him.

His beautiful life will forever be cherished in the lives of his children: Darryl (Ursula) Gilbert of Augusta, GA, Steven Gilbert of Maggie Valley, NC, and Vicky (Kevin) Elvis of Salem, SC; three grandchildren: Chelsey (Craig) Garrett of Houston, TX, Ashley Crews of Edmond, OK, and Jarrod Crews of Ft. Collins, CO; three great grandchildren: Addison and Brody Garrett, Jaxon Mason; sister: Charlene Wulfekamp of Lubbock, TX; brother: Robert Gilbert of Seattle, WA; his devoted caregivers and friends.