Phillip F. Gilbert Sr.

LEXINGTON - Lt. Col. Phillip F. Gilbert, Sr. USAF Ret. took his last flight into the arms of his Father on Wednesday, August 9, 2017. A graveside service conducted by Rev. Jeff Kersey, with full military honors, will be held at 11:00 a.m., Monday, August, 14, 2017 at Fort Jackson National Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Sunday, August 13, 2017 from 3:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. at Caughman-Harman Funeral Home, Lexington Chapel. Lt. Col. Gilbert was born in Arcadia, MI on September 18, 1929, the son of Floyd and Alice Gilbert. He is survived by his wife, Gertrude Gilbert, aka Trudy, of Lexington, SC; son, Phillip F. Gilbert, Jr. (Jean) of Sumter, SC; daughter, Elaine Thompson (Dick) of Myrtle Beach, SC; daughter, Gail Brazell (Riley Randal) of Port Royal, SC; daughter, Barbara Berry (Jim) of Lexington; son, Alan Gilbert (Jonda) of Simpsonville, SC; stepson, N.D. Vital, Jr., aka Joe Vital, Jr., of Huntsville, AL; brothers, James Gilbert of Elberta, MI, Gerald Gilbert of Charlotte, MI, Carroll Gilbert of Arcadia, MI; sisters, Joyce Howard and Betty Fitzhugh, both of Arcadia, MI.; eleven grandchildren; four-step-grandchildren, five-great-grandchildren and one-step-great-grandchild. He was preceded in death by his parents and brothers, Faye and Veryl Gilbert. He enlisted in the USAF in 1948, received his officer appointment in 1954, and graduated from pilot training school in 1955. What followed was a long and distinguished career in Military Aviation. He served tours in Europe, the Pacific, including Vietnam, as well as Canada, Alaska and Shaw AFB in Sumter, SC and numerous other locations throughout the world. He flew many high performance jet aircrafts throughout his career. The latter years of his career were in Special Operations in direct support of air combat operations in Vietnam, as well as other locations. Lt. Col. Gilbert was awarded many medals and awards throughout his long aviation career for his flying skills and professionalism to include the Bronze Star Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal, and Joint Service Commendation Medal. He was a graduate of the USAF Air War College and the Air Command and Staff College. Lt. Col. Gilbert was a life member of the VFW and the Armed Forces Officers Association. He possessed a BS degree in Aviation Services and Technology and a Master’s Degree in Public Administration. He was a 32nd Degree Mason. Painting was among his favorite hobbies, and he became an accomplished artist. His paintings are appreciated by many. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the Wounded Warriors Project, PO Box 758516, Topeka, KS 66675 www.woundedwarriorproject.org. The family would like to thank LMC, Dr. Renee Ellis and Dr. Chelsea Stillwell for their excellent care and devotion. Lt. Col. Gilbert dearly loved his wife, family and country.