Ernest A. "Butch" Gilbert, age 59, of Fort Wayne, Indiana received his wings on December 16, 2021 surrounded by his family. He was passionate about a collection of things including cars and antique radios. He loved to work on old Novas, thrift shop, attend auctions with his youngest son, and spend time relaxing with his beloved Puggles, Sky and Tiny. He leaves behind his companion of 26 years, Donna Book-Gilbert of Fort Wayne, Ind.; three sons, Christian Gilbert and Ron (Jessica) Bickel of Fort Wayne and Adrian (Patience) Book of Bluffton, Ind., four daughters, Trisha Bickel and Candace (Troy) Bolen of Fort Wayne, Nichole Bickel of Warsaw, and Amanda (Cory) Holland of Avilla; 16 grandchildren, Aaron, Arrea, Shyann, Shannon, Sheldon, Sydney, Elijah, Kaysie, Kaylee, MacKenna, Madison, Mason, Ryder, Declan, Heaven, Bailey; and 2 great grandchildren; brother, Bryan (Nikole) Gilbert and Sister Katie (Ray) Gilbert; nephews, Nicholas, Nathan, Noah, and Coty; niece, Gabriella “Gabby Dancer”; best Friend: Larry Hout; and many aunts, uncles and cousins. His father and mother preceded him in death, Earnest Sr. and Phyllis (Greenwell) Gilbert. Funeral Service is 11:00 a.m. at Advantage Mungovan, 2114 South Calhoun Street, Fort Wayne, with calling one hour prior. Burial at Fairview Cemetery, Huntertown, Ind. Memorials may be made to the family in care of Donna Book. For online condolences, please visit www.advantagemungovan.com.
