J. Edward Gilbert

J. Edward Gilbert, 92, North Manchester, IN died at 3:05 a.m. Sunday, March 25, 2012 in Lutheran Hospital, Ft. Wayne, IN. He was born at North Manchester, IN on December 23, 1919 to Elmer & Ina (McFarland) Gilbert. On June 9, 1945 he married Mildred L. Morris. She survives. Also surviving are three daughters, Janice Gilbert Hurst, McPherson, KS; Janean Gilbert, Indianapolis, IN and Janelle Gilbert Hoffmann, New Haven, MO. Four grandchildren and one great grandchild. Two sisters, Virginia Balsbaugh, North Manchester, IN and Mrs. Orlo (Josephine) Hibbs, Columbia City, IN. He was preceded in death by his parents, a daughter Joyce, one brother and four sisters. Edward graduated from Chester High School at North Manchester in 1937, attended Manchester College, and graduated from Purdue University. He was a Vocational Agriculture teacher at Northwestern School Corp., Kokomo, IN for 32 years, retiring in 1978. Following his retirement from education he worked at Ortman Well Drilling, Kokomo, IN for 11 years. He was a Conscientious Objector in Civilian Public Service during World War II and a member of Manchester Church of the Brethren. Services will be held Friday, March 30, 2012 at 3:00 p.m. in Timbercrest Chapel, 2201 East Street, North Manchester, IN. Friends and family may call at Timbercrest Chapel on Friday, March 30 from 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. Arrangements are entrusted to McKee Mortuary, 1401 State Road 114 West, North Manchester, IN. Patsor Karen Eberly and Chaplain Steve Crain will officiate and burial will follow at Oaklawn Cemetery, North Manchester, IN. For those who wish to honor the memory of J. Edward Gilbert, memorial contributions may be made to On Earth Peace, PO Box 188, New Windsor, MD 21776 or Bread for the World, 425 Third Street SW Suite 1200, Washington, DC 20024. To send a private condolence to the Gilbert family, use the Condolence link on the Homepage.