…And on April 30, 1941, In the County of St. Clair of St. Louis, Illinois, Jack Gilbert and Marcella Hellwig- Gilbert were blessed with the arrival of their first born: a bouncing, baby boy. The proud parents decided to name him Jack Allen Gilbert. Forevermore, to be affectionately called “Jackie” by his Mom.
Jackie grew up, matriculated through schools graduating from Dupo High School. While in HS he played and excelled in football and basketball; He loved sports. After Graduating H.S. he took a short break in California where he enjoyed the beaches and surfing. At some point, he decided to serve his country as his decorated father before him had done. Jack joined the United States Airforce in February, 1960 and was stationed at Andrews Air Force base in Suitland, Maryland.
Not long after his assignment to Andrews, Jack met his would-be life-long partner, Ella. They were introduced through a relative and friends at a social gathering. In-spite of Jack’s total inability to dance, they began to date. They married in 1961 against ALL odds. They survived Freedom rides, riots, all types of discrimination incidents. He lived in Washington, DC until the time of his passing. A devoted and steadfast father, he was key in raising his two blessings called Crystal Alana and Craig Alan.
Jack served during the Vietnam War and was stationed in Okinawa, Japan. He returned home as a disabled Veteran. After his Honorable Discharge in July of 1968, Jack joined the civil service arena working for the U.S. Postal Service. Jack worked for the U.S. Postal service for the next 36 years when he retired in 2011. The rest is history. Jack and Ella married, Jack attended Maryland University studying geology. As a quiet, private guy from the Mid-west, Jack focused his time on his family and work. Gilbert enjoyed relaxing and sports, (football, basketball, tennis and wrestling). One of his favorite past times was watching TV Trivia game shows competing with family and friends, especially his grandsons. Everyone loved his quick wit and sense of humor; he could find humor in most anything. He is probably smiling down on us at this very moment.
As a soldier, Gilbert, (affectionately called by his wife) faced many battles. Through God’s grace, he prevailed in most of them. Illness came and proved to be the persistent adversary. True to his “soldier training” Gilbert fought several attacks and battles with health issues and overcame them to his doctor’s amazement. His stamina, determination and courage proved to succumb to the relentlessness of ailments. On June 7, 2020, God looked down and saw his struggle and pain. God said: “You have fought the good fight, you have finished the course.” Laydown your burden, lay down your weapon; come home to rest.
“Day is done, gone the sun, from the Lakes from the hills,
from the sky; All is well, safely rest; God is nigh.”
Jack Gilbert leaves to mourn: His wife, Ella L. Gilbert; A Daughter-Crystal A. Gilbert; A Son-Craig A. Gilbert; 4 Grandchildren; Crystal A.E. Gilbert, Jordan A. Haxton, Justin A. Haxton and Cameron A. Gilbert.
Sisters-in-law: Anna B. Thompson and Mary E. Davis,
Brother-in-law: LeRoy Branch, Jr.
Nieces: Michelle Malone, JoAnna Brewer, Marcia and Patricia Branch
Nephews: Dexter, William, Jeffrey and Patrick Thompson: Ronald and Robert Williams; Michael and Christopher Johnson.
Proceeded in death by: His Parents Marcella and Jack Gilbert; his Mother and Father-in-law: Anna and LeRoy Branch, Sr.
Sister-in-law: Emma M. Bonner; Brothers-in-law: Robert L. Branch, Alfonso Branch
Nieces: Karen Branch, Sliprina Branch and Micheale Branch
Nephew: McKeyther Johnson
