Paul Frederick Gilbert

Paul Frederick Gilbert was born on December 11, 1925, to Charles Jan and Violette Luebke Gilbert in Castlewood, South Dakota. He was third of three sons. Paul graduated from Mitchell, SD High School in 1943. He played all sports, took part in musical events, excelled in academics, and was president of his junior and senior classes. Paul enrolled at South Dakota State University, but joined the Marines. Paul was Company Bugler and Honor Man of his Platoon. He was selected for the Marine V-12 Program (officer training) and sent to Purdue University for training. There he played first string end for Purdue and served until 1946. He returned to South Dakota State because he had told his coach he would. He married Delores Kanqus of Mitchell, SD. Their first son, Bob Frederick, was born while he attained his Master's Degree at Purdue, His B.S. degree from SDSU with Honors, playing football (MVP and Captain, many 60 minute games) basketball starter, track, and assistant Football coaching. Daughter, Patricia was born while Paul was teaching and coaching at Nebraska State College at Peru, Nebraska. Paul was assistant coach during the 1952 undefeated season. 1953-69 found the Gilbert family at Tarkio, Missouri Colleges where son, Rex Loring joined them. Paul was Chairman of the Physical Education Department, Director of Athletics, and Head Coach. He instituted annual dinners at the coach's home for Seniors and their dates, continued watermelon feeds at his own expense, and led track to the 4-C Championship 1956. He was Head Track Coach 1956-62 with the MCAU Conference Champions in 1960. He coached Girls' Basketball, Wrestling, Cross country, and Golf. He worked with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. Tarkio United Methodist Church claimed time and effort with Administrative Board, Board of Trustees, Lay Leader, Leader of United Methodist Youth Fellowship and choir. Community service included Rotary Club, Boy Scout merit badge counselor, and campouts. Paul set up the Water 5afety Instructor program for Atchison County He set up classes and oversaw maintenance of the municipal pool. Throughout his life Paul kept his love of music. He sang and played his cornet in bands, orchestras, and dance bands from high school on. In 1967 Paul received his Doctorate in Physical Education from Springfield College, Massachusetts. He was a man of Honor, Integrity, Love of Family, Friendship, Determination to do Right, Sense of Humor, Pleasure in little things and Farsighted. Paul Gilbert joined the faculty of CSU in 1969. He taught many classes, mentored graduate students, and coached the golf team. He volunteered at the municipal golf courses religiously for many years, a great joy to him, as were his four holes-in-one. A lifelong Methodist, Paul served on the Board of Trustees and other offices of the Fort Collins First United Methodist Church. He helped found the EyeOpeners Kiwanis Club, serving as Secretary-Treasurer, Lt. Governor and other commitments, helped start Octoberfest in Fort Collins. He and Dee attended numerous International Conventions in the U.S. and Canada. Paul was preceded in death by his brother, Bob (Italy, JW11); his parents, Brother CJ, Jr.; nephew, Jonathon; beloved aunts, Ida Koch, Florence Luebke, and Esther Gaffy. Paul is survived by his wife of 67years, Delores (Dee), and children: Bob Frederick Gilbert, San Jose, CA; Patricia Gilbert O'Neill, Lexington, KY; Rex Loring Gilbert (Cindy), Canon City, CO. Grandchildren: Brendon O'Neill (Shari)San Francisco; Brian O'Neill (Carmen) Bardstown, KY; Amanda (Stephen) Harker, Ft. Leavenworth, KS; Captain Keith Gilbert (Lauren) Ft. Riley, KS; Laura Hillegeist (Trever) Salina, KS; and 11 Great-grandchildren. Also, many many beloved nieces and nephews. Memorial services, under direction of Bohlender Funeral Chapel will be on Saturday, June 6, 2015, at 10:30a.m. at First United Methodist Church (Stover and Elizabeth Streets) A reception will follow. Private inurnment at Grandview Cemetery.

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Paul Frederick Gilbert

December 11, 1925 - May 26, 2015