Lawrence "Zeke" Gilbert Jr.

Lawrence “Zeke” Gilbert, Jr., 82 was born on January 18, 1931 in Hanford, California to Lawrence “Jack” Gilbert and Iris Arnold Gilbert. He passed away at his home, surrounded by family on Saturday, November 23rd after a lengthy battle with cancer.

Zeke attended Youd-Cross Creek Elementary School and Hanford High School where he was involved in Future Farmers of America and had the Champion Market Hog at the Livestock Show in 1948. He graduated from Hanford High in 1949 and joined the US Navy (1950 to 1954) and served as a Yeoman on the USS Cacapon during the Korean War.

Following his military service, Zeke started his career at the Hanford Milk Company-Safeway Creamery where he worked until his retirement in 1992.

Zeke married Elizabeth Smith in August 1964 at First Christian Church. They were married for 49 years and had four children, 11 grandchildren and one great-grandson. Papa Zeke loved his wife, kids and grandchildren. He was a kind, generous, and loving dad and papa and will be missed so much by his family.

He was always there to support the kids and attended many track meets, football games, cheerleading events, basketball games, water polo, and rodeos. He loved being involved with the grandchildren’s fair hogs and was always there to help them and attend the fair to watch them show. He was an avid hunter and loved to hunt with his children and grandchildren. Many weekends were spent at the “ranch” hunting hogs, deer, birds, and just spending time together enjoying one another. He also enjoyed Hanford Youth Football and “Papa Zeke’s Sno-Cones”.

Zeke is survived by his wife, Elizabeth Gilbert of Hanford, four children: Darin (Erin) Gilbert of Corcoran, Donnie Gilbert of Hanford, Diana (Marty) Elliott of Hanford, and Doug (Michelle) Gilbert of Hanford; 11 grandchildren: Darin’s children: Mitchell, Madison, Marshall; Donnie’s children: Ayron, Zach, Austin; Diana’s children: Stephanie and Robert; Doug’s children: Jody, Cody, and Kyle. Brothers: Richard Gilbert of Hollister, Donald Gilbert of Hanford, Ernie Gilbert of Hanford and Gary Gilbert of Oakhurst and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Jack and Iris Gilbert, infant sister, Ellen, and brother, Ronnie.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Monday, December 2nd at 10:30 a.m. at First Christian Church; 505 W. Cameron Street, Hanford, CA 93230.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hanford Youth Football League or the donor’s favorite charity.