Curtis Edward Gilbert

Edward Gilbert, 97, of Fort Wayne, passed away December 12th, 2020 at Hamilton Place assisted living, where he had been a resident since August 2019. He was born in Shawnee, TN, a son of Hugh and Melinda (Sharp) Gilbert.

When Ed was 2 years old, the family moved to Middlesboro KY. As a young man, he helped in the boarding house his mom ran, worked in the commissary, and hauled coal. In 1941, at the age of 18, Ed joined the Army. He trained as a machine gunman and then became a PFC combat Medic in the 4th armored division in World War II. Ed was wounded in France on Utah Beach at Normandy in 1944. In 1945, he received an honorable discharge, receiving several medals: Silver Star, Bronze Star, Purple Heart, Army Good Conduct, American Defense, American Campaign, European-Africa-Middle Eastern Campaign, and the WWII Victory Medal. In 2019, he received a medal from the French Consulate for his service in France. After leaving the service, Ed moved to Michigan, where he worked at Ford Motor Co. and GM. In 1954, he moved to Fort Wayne and worked several jobs, and finally retired from General Electric after 17 years of service.

Ed was a good Christian. He was known for his generosity and helping other people. He enjoyed playing the guitar and piano and spent hours singing and recording his music for his family. The residents at Hamilton Place loved to hear Ed play and sing. He wrote a song called (Golgotha). Ed was proud to have served his country and was always eager to talk about his war experiences. Jeff Bowman, from channel 21, interviewed him last year on Veterans Day and then was broadcast on channels 21 and 33. Ed was also interviewed for Heroes of the Second World War, the recording of which made its way into the Museum for WWII Veterans at Indianapolis.

Ed is survived by his children, George Brimm, and Tamara Dely; seven grandchildren; and several great-grandchildren; brother, Don; and sister-in-law, Judy Gilbert; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife, Helen (York) Gilbert; daughter, Nance L. Brock; 8 brothers, 6 sisters, and parents, Hugh and Melinda (Sharp) Gilbert.

A Celebration of Life Service is being held at 1:00 to 4:00pm on Saturday, October 9, 2021 at 5227 Monroeville Road, Fort Wayne, IN 46816. Arrangements entrusted to D.O. McComb and sons Lakeside Park Funeral Home, Fort Wayne.

The family would like to espress a special thank you to Heartland Hospice and Hamilton Place.

In Lieu of flowers preferred memorials to Heartland Hospice, or Riley Hospital for Children. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy for Ed's family may be shared at www.mccombandsons.com