Edward Gilbert

Edward Gilbert was the kindest, most caring man who tried each day to share his happiness with his loved ones. He cared deeply for his family and showed it by providing faithfully for them and sharing much love and laughter. Ed was a very modest man, proud of all his family, yet filled with a wonderful sense of humor.

The early 1920s were a collage of interesting events. There were power struggles in Russia, Babe Ruth was setting baseball records, and the first Miss America was crowned. It was into these exciting times that Edward was born in Kalamazoo, Michigan, on December 17, 1921. As a baby, Edward was adopted by Charles and Grace (Slack) Gilbert, and he brought great joy and happiness to their family.

Ed was a typical boy, very athletic and full of energy. He loved to roller skate and he rode a horse to school in northern Plainwell ever day. In high school, Ed began boxing and in the featherweight division he was known as “Blondie Ed Gilbert.” Shortly after graduating from Kalamazoo Central High School, Ed joined the National Guard, and then when the war fired up overseas, he enlisted in the U.S. Army and bravely served as a Mortar Gunner until his honorable discharge in 1945. But Ed’s military career wasn’t done yet. From 1948 to 1949, he served as a Corporal in the Army and worked as a painter, and from 1949 to 1951, he served as a Corporal in the Air Force. He received his honorable discharge in 1951.

Before leaving for the military, something wonderful happened to Ed – he met the love of his life, Alice Channells. For a long time, he and his friend, Mason, would walk past Alice’s friend’s house and see the two pretty girls, who were also watching the two cute boys walking past. Then, one fateful day, all of them were running to see a fire in the neighborhood and Ed grab a hold of Alice’s hand – and the rest as they say is history. The two fell hopelessly in love and were married on December 28, 1940. Ed had just began his military tour, and was serving overseas when his oldest daughter, Ginny, was born. In fact, he didn’t actually see her until she was 36 months old! Ed and Alice would eventually have three children in all: Ginny, Sandie and Chuck.

Once out of the military, Ed, Alice and the children made their home in Otsego. Ed soon found work at Gibson Guitar but later moved on to Imperial Carving, where he was a Mill room Foreman until his retirement in 1986. Not one to be idle, Ed then became a guard at Sandy Pines Resort. When their children were young, Ed and Alice bought a spot in Sandy Pines, and they spent countless hours having great fun on the lake, water skiing, swimming and boating. The family also enjoyed trips to Lake Michigan, where they picnicked and some times camped. Before they bought their place at Sandy Pines, Ed looked forward to their annual summer trips up north. Being an outdoorsman, he loved communing with nature and enjoying the great outdoors. Once retired, Ed and Alice started wintering in sunny Florida too.

As a couple, Ed and Alice loved to go bowling and square dancing – Ed really liked the square dancing outfits! Naturally, Ed enjoyed working in his yard, but never missed a Detroit Lions game when it came on. And wherever Ed was, you were sure to see one of his much-loved cocker spaniels, the current one being Buddy. Above all else, though, Ed was a loving and devoted family man. Many of his happiest moments always involved the time he spent with his wife, children and grandchildren. He was his grandkids #1 fan at their sporting events, and his granddaughters always knew when they were in trouble with Grandpa because he’d call them “missy.” Yet, Ed was also a big joker and brought smiles and happiness to all those around him. With a love for sweets, he was also sure to have something chocolaty to eat.

A wonderful husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather, Ed will be dearly missed.

Edward F. Gilbert, age 85, died on July 8, 2007, at his home surrounded by his family. Learn more about Ed and visit with his family on Wednesday, July 11, from 10-11 a.m. at the St. Joseph Catholic Church, 936 Lake Street in Kalamazoo, where a Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. Ed’s family includes his wife, Alice; his children: Ginny & Ed Witherell of Plainwell, Sandie & Tony LoPresto of Martin, and Chuck & Lou Gilbert of Otsego; grandchildren: Wendy & Frank Whitney, Tom Witherell & Kitty Smith, Annette & Ken Horton, Heidi & David Smith, David & Brenda Boot, Angie Sausaman & Arthur Woods, Charles Gilbert & Angie Morrison, Khristy & Kevin Dam, Brad Gilbert, Nick & Renee LoPresto, and Scott & Tammy LoPresto; and 24 great-grandchildren. Please visit Ed’s memory page at www.lifestorynet.com where you may share a memory or photo of Ed or sign his online guest book before coming to the funeral. Memorial contributions may be made to the Borgess VNA Hospice. Ed and his family have been cared for by Life Story Funeral Home, RDMG, Plainwell, 120 S. Woodhams.