Mr. Warren K Gilbert

Of the many tales that emerged out of America’s greatest generation, the life of Warren Gilbert provides us with a unique, worldly perspective of a man that emerged relatively unscathed from the trappings of early 20th Century America to generate over 88 years of wonder and intrigue. His life, which reads more like a novel (something he was very fond of), began on a farm in Kentucky during the Great Depression, where he spent his early childhood learning how to prosper on a homestead with several siblings and meager amenities. Later, after his family uprooted, Warren went on to spend his adolescent years playing baseball in the streets of Southside Chicago, went on to serve in the military during the Korean War, and even worked as a proofreader for TIME Magazine in Chicago during the 1950’s. He obtained a masters degree in Economics from the University of Washington after the war on the GI Bill. While he eventually settled with his wife and two children in Lincoln, Nebraska in the 1960’s, Warren never deviated far from his Kentucky roots, as he purchased a farm and planted an apple orchard in Seward County, NE which he tended in his spare time for many years. His main occupation would continue to provide Warren with the adventure that his soul yearned for as his career as an International Transportation Economist, saw him conducting feasibility studies in Afghanistan, Bali, Turkey, Somalia and the former African Congo over a period of nearly 40 years. Regarded as a fearless intellectual, Warren enjoyed enhancing his seemingly endless cache of knowledge and wit through countless hours spent poring over various fiction and non-fiction canon, which eventually inspired him to write several personal memoirs and works of fiction, such as No Road and The Yellowstone Scrolls. Perhaps most notably, Warren was known to be intensely generous and compassionate, which can be best characterized by the love and affection that he directed towards his children, grandchildren and the three Great Pyrenees that he rescued and cared for over an era spanning almost 30 years. While he preferred his independence and a simplistic lifestyle as the years progressed, Warren’s remarkable life and personality have served as the cornerstone of a lasting, positive impact for those that he has left behind and the echoes of his love and wisdom will continue to live on in the generations to come.

“Walker, there is no road

the road is made

as you go.”

-Spanish Poet (Warren K. Gilbert, No Road)

Warren was preceded in death by his wife of 54 years, Sharon and his brother, Wallace. Family members include his son Paul (Nadine) Gilbert of Chicago, IL, daughter Cathy (John) Ingram of Lincoln, Grandchildren: Dr. Stephanie (Chris) Gilbert Corder, Allison Gilbert, Zachary Gilbert, Cole (Jill) Ingram, Rachel Ingram and Jackson Ingram.

Family will welcome friends Tuesday, January 3 from 5-8pm at Lincoln Memorial Funeral Home. Private inurnment will be held at Lincoln Memorial Park.

Memorials will be directed to:

Great Pyrenees Rescue of Nebraska

C/O David and Sharon Hayes

3429 Woodbine Avenue, Lincoln, NE 68506

A very special thanks to Rhoda Bjelland of Great Pyrenees Rescue for welcoming Blake (Warren’s most recent rescue) to her menagerie.