Donald "Skeeter" Aden Gilbert

Skeeter was preceded in death by his parents and his beloved dog, Max. He is survived by his loving wife of 44 years, Mary Gilbert, who spent the last five years providing unwavering care and support; his daughter, Summer Bass, and her husband Kelly; his granddaughter, Mary Margaret Bass; his sister, Terrie Lanier, and her husband Paul; his niece, Katie Lanier; and nephews, Zachary Lanier and Garrett Lanier. He also leaves behind his lifelong friends, Don Sauls and Ben Kyser, whom he considered brothers, and countless friends and brothers at Local 52.

A proud union man through and through, Skeeter began his career with Plumbers and Steamfitters Local Union 52 shortly after graduating high school. Over the years, he rose to the position of Business Agent, serving as a fierce advocate for the working men and women he represented. He was known for his passionate spirit, unwavering loyalty, and his signature feisty personality. Skeeter never shied away from speaking his mind—especially when defending the dignity of the working class. He was deeply committed to helping fellow members find work and never forgot his roots. “Unions built this nation,” he often said, and he lived that belief every day.

A visitation for Donald will be held Wednesday, May 28, 2025 from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM at Alabama Heritage Funeral Home, 10505 Atlanta Highway, Montgomery, AL 36117, followed by a funeral service at 2:00 PM with Pastor Jerry Walls officiating. Pallbearers will be John Paul Smith, Ian Cooper, Steve Williams, George "Woody" Warthen, Billy Perdue, Mark Taunton, and serving as honorary pallbearers are Tim Cooper, Jimbo Thomas, Ben Kyser and Don Sauls. Interment will take place in Alabama Heritage Cemetery.

The family wishes to extend special thanks to Dr. Samer Zeayter, whose advocacy during Skeeter’s first hospitalization in 2021 helped save his life, and to Dr. Harold Cox for his compassionate care over the last five years.

Pallbearers will be brothers from local 52.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Alabama Kidney Foundation, in honor of Skeeter’s enduring fight and resilient spirit.