Robert Ellsworth Gilbert, of Peoria, passed away at the age of 91 on April 16, 2019. His memorial service will be held on Saturday, April 27th at 11AM at the United Church of Sun City, 11250 N. 107th Avenue, Sun City, AZ 85351.
Robert was born to parents Robert A. and Emma Gilbert in Kiowa, CO on March 8, 1928. He was the third of six children. He married Carmelita Bissitt in 1951 in Raton, NM. He and Carmelita’s marriage lasted until her death in March, 2004. In 2005, he married Marian Crissman in Sun City, AZ.
Robert graduated from high school in Kiowa, CO. In 1973 he attended Northwestern Traffic Institute in Chicago for one year. He furthered his education by attending Metro State College in Denver where he received his Bachelor’s degree in 1978 at age 50. Robert began his career with the Colorado State Patrol in July 1959 and was assigned to Canon City. He was promoted to Sergeant in August 1968 at which time he moved to Durango. He was next promoted to Lieutenant in August 1972 and was assigned to Golden where he headed up the Mountain Division. In August 1973, he transferred to the Academy and stayed there until being promoted to Captain in February 1979 and transferred to Greeley. He remained in Greeley as the District Commander until he retired in January 1988 with over 28 years of service to the people of Colorado. He was a charter member of CSPAA, joining in 1989 and has remained a member continuously. Military service – he served two years in Germany during the Korean War as a Corporal in the U.S. Army. Places of residence – Kiowa (born), Canon City, Durango, Golden, Greeley (all in Colorado) where he retired. He and his wife Carmelita moved to Sun City, AZ in 1990.
Robert was an avid hunter (deer, elk, antelope) for 50 years until his younger brother passed away in 1996. He was also passionate about golf and bowling, both of which he participated in until he became gravely ill in 2017. He was a member of the United Church of Sun City. He also belonged to Lion’s Club, Shriners, and was a Mason.
He is survived by his wife, Marian Gilbert (Peoria, AZ); his children Diane Ban (Montrose, CO) and Patricia Haugen (Denver, CO); Grandchildren Ryan (Jenny) Ban (Arvada, CO), Kevin (Kieu My) Ban (Arvada, CO), Derek (Yen) Haviland (Denver, CO), and Brittany Haugen (South Lake Tahoe, CA); Great-grandchild Mia Diana Ban (Arvada, CO); and siblings: brother Swede (Sue) Gilbert (Dacono, CO) and brother Don (Dottie) Gilbert (Canyon Lake, TX). Along with his step-children Lynette Christensen, Craig, Bruce and Blaine Crissman, Beth Collet. Also his step-grand children Justin, Jeff, Tyler, Cole & Chloe Crissman: Alison Malita whom he accepted and loved.
He was predeceased by his first wife, Carmelita Gilbert (2004); son James Robert Gilbert (1998); brother John Gilbert (1996), sisters Gyleth Shields (2014) and Nadine Williams (2014).
The Sun City service will be conducted by Pastor Brady Abel.
Interment of ashes will take place at a later date in the family plot located in Elizabeth, CO.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to The American Cancer Society or Banner Hospice.
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