Herman “Dee” Gilbert

Herman “Dee” Gilbert, 93, died on August 22, 2022, at Bethesda Home in Goessel, Kansas.

He was born June 19, 1929, in El Reno, Oklahoma, the son of James and Mary (Matchett) Gilbert.

At the age of 21, Dee was enlisted in the United States Army where he quickly earned the ranking of corporal. He was honorably discharged from his duty in September of 1953.

On June 26, 1962, Dee was united in marriage to Betty Shaft. The couple were married for 54 years at the time of Betty’s passing in 2016. Dee and Betty lived in El Dorado until they made the move to Newton in 1982.

For over 30 years Dee worked as a pipe fitter for local union 171 out of Wichita, Kansas, retiring in 1996.

Dee was a member of the Elk Lodge, Optimists, American Legion and the First Presbyterian Church in Newton.

Dee, affectionately known as “Charlie” by Betty, could often be found spending time with his fur babies Blossom, Rosebud and Samantha, or caring for the birds that would visit his yard. He enjoyed looking at and admiring different designs and architecture. Dee’s favorite thing of all was time spent traveling, his favorite trips being those that he and Betty would take to Nevada. He also enjoyed spending spring breaks going to concerts and riding around town in his MG convertible with his great nephew Ryan Steele.

Dee is survived by his niece, Michelle Steele of Stillwater, Oklahoma; nephews, Chris Gilbert of Lee’s Summit, Missouri, Norman Gilbert of Lake St. Louis, Missouri, Mark Shaft of Kansas City, Missouri, and Steve Shaft of Prairie Village, Kansas; great-nephew, Ryan Steele and wife Kristel, and their two children, Savannah and Sawyer Steele; loving friends, Sue Ice, David and Lori Yoder, their children and grandchildren, and best friend Frank Adame and family; and many other dear friends.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Betty Gilbert; parents, James and Mary Gilbert; brothers, James and Melvin Gilbert; and sisters, Mildred Forbes and Lillian Greenway.

A memorial service will be at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, August 30, 2022 at Petersen Funeral Home, 215 N. Main St., in Newton, Kansas. Lunch and fellowship at Charlie’s will follow the memorial service. Inurnment will take place the morning of the service at 9:30 a.m. at Prairie Grove Cemetery in Cottonwood Falls, Kansas.