Walter Herbert Gilbert Jr.'s Obituary
Walter Herbert Gilbert, Jr., 88, went home to be with the Lord on July 19, 2015 surrounded by his wife and daughters holding his hands, singing, and cheering him into Heaven. He was born September 1, 1926 in Punta Gorda, Florida to the late Walter Herbert Gilbert, Sr. and Ella Dora (Harrison) Gilbert. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his daughter, Sandra; brothers, Ernest and Herman; sisters, Lessie, Neva and Lorrette.
Walter came to Hillsborough County in 1952 from Colquitt, Georgia. He was a Supervisor at Lykes Brothers in Plant City and retired after over 30 years of service. He was a Charter Member of East Chelsea Baptist Church and served as an Usher in years past. Walter was a family man and a dedicated worker who enjoyed his job and many friendships established through his work. He enjoyed doing home and yard projects in his younger days, visits with family and friends, holding hands with his wife while watching evening television, and reminiscing about younger days and his journey on the USS Rodman during WW2.
Left to cherish his memory are his wife of 69 years, Laverne; daughters, Glenda Garner of Tampa; Sharon Houser and her husband Mike of Plant City; Sheila Rosenberg and her husband Joel of Port Ritchey; and Lori Yuhas and her husband Troy of Valrico; brother, Robert Gilbert of Oviedo; sisters, Elizabeth Champion of Thomasville, Georgia and Hazel Keaton also of Thomasville, Georgia; grandchildren, Nikki, Angela, Heath, Daphne, Ryan, Christopher, Shayna, Danielle, Joshua, Rosa, Isai, Joel, Adam, Graesen and Gage; great-grandchildren, Jacob, Gregory, Tara, Corey, Heather, Sammy, Ashley, Amber, Christopher Jr., Devin, Kyle, David, Nathaniel, Anthony, Stevie and Jeremy; great great grandchildren, Lexi, Nevaeh, Scarlett, Lucas, Jordan, Ella and Madeline.
There will be a visitation on Thursday, July 23, 2015 from 5:00 to 8:00 PM at Sunset Funeral Home, 11005 N. US Highway 301, Thonotosassa. Funeral service will be Friday at 2:00 PM at East Chelsea Baptist Church, 7225 E. Chelsea Street, Tampa. Military honors and interment will follow at Sunset Memory Gardens. Contributions may be made in Walter’s honor to his church. Memories and condolences may be made online to www.sunset-fh.com.
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