Gerald E. "Jerry" Gilbert

Gerald E. “Jerry” Gilbert, 76, of Bartonville, Illinois, died Tuesday, April 7, 2015 at the Unity Point\Methodist Hospital in Peoria, Illinois. He was born on July 7, 1938 in Bloomington, Illinois to Gene and Stella (Baker) Gilbert. He married Bette Roberta Clark on July 27, 1985 in Peoria, Illinois. She survives.

He has two children surviving, Michelle (Aidan) Gilbert of Chicago, Illinois, John ( Cheryl) Gilbert of Havre, Montana; two step children, Steve (Jackie) Menk of Platte City, Missouri, Sheila (Dale) Newton of Bartonville, Illinois. He has one grandson, Noah Gilbert and three step grandchildren, Dustin Menk, Makenzie Newton and Derek Newton; and one brother, Fred Gilbert of Beaverton, Oregon. He is preceded by his parents and one step granddaughter, Cheri Menk.

He was a switchman for 38 years at the Peoria and Pekin Union Railway, retiring in 2001. He was a master woodworker and gardener. He loved putting model airplanes together and fishing and camping trips, especially to Evergreen Lake with his faithful friend, “Louie” his dog for many years.

Funeral services will be Monday, April 13, 2015 at 11:00 AM at the Davison Fulton Bartonville Chapel. The Rev. Art Georges will officiate. Visitation will be from 9:30 AM until services on Monday at the funeral home. Burial will be in the Glendale Memorial Gardens in Pekin, Illinois. Memorials may be made to TAPS. You may create an online condolence at www.davison-fultonbartonvillechapel.com.