Ark Garfield Gilbert

Ark Garfield Gilbert, 89, of Punta Gorda, FL, died peacefully Thursday, Mar. 5, 2009. He was born in New London, OH on Aug. 12, 1919 to Orva Pond and Frank G. Gilbert. He lived in New London until 2002 when he retired to Punta Gorda. Mr. Gilbert was a graduate of New London High School and attended the University of Michigan. He served in the US Army Air Corps, attaining the rank of captain, during WWII. He was a draftsman and then a salesman for the Fate-Root-Heath Co. in Plymouth, Ohio until 1961. He then sold life insurance for Indianapolis Life until he retired. He was the mayor of New London for two terms. He was a member of the Elks, New London Rotary Club, a Master Mason of the Grand Lodge of Ohio for over 65 years, and a Life Member of the American Legion Post 292 in New London. He attended the American Legion Post 103 in Punta Gorda where he had many friends.

He is survived by his daughter Janis Don Tulk of Punta Gorda, grandchildren, Amy John Sherman, Jennifer Joe Trott, Stephanie Rick Cole, Jason Jennifer Gilbert, and Seth Jessica Gilbert. He had 15 great grandchildren, 3 nieces and 2 nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife of 64 years, Betty, son Michael Gilbert, and brother Bill Gilbert.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at 10:30 am, Saturday, March 14, 2009, at Kays-Ponger &Uselton Funeral Home, 635 E. Marion Ave., Punta Gorda, with the Rev. Bill Klossner officiating. Memorial donations be made to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, 3201 W. Commercial Blvd., Ste. 127, Fort Lauderdale, FL, 33309, or the charity of your choice.