Douglas Lamar Gilbert, Sr.

Mr. Douglas L. Gilbert, Sr., age 89, beloved husband of Nedra Hood Gilbert, passed on to join God on Sunday, December 16, 2007 at Trinity Hospital in Augusta following a long and courageous battle with Alzheimer’s disease. He was born May 3, 1918 in Griffin to the late George and Beulah Gilbert. In addition to his parents, Mr. Gilbert is preceded in death by his brother, Chesley Gilbert; sisters, Beatrice Gilbert Brown and Jackie Gilbert Mason. He attended Griffin High School. At the age of 17, Mr. Gilbert enlisted in the United States Army, where he proudly served for 22 years, before retiring as a decorated Veteran with the rank of Captain. While in the service, he was stationed at Pearl Harbor on the day of the attack, December 7, 1941 and served with the 25th Infantry Division in the Pacific campaign during World War II. While attending Officer’s Training School at Ft. Benning, Captain Gilbert met his bride-to-be, Nedra Hood. They were united in marriage December 23, 1944, in Griffin. Captain Gilbert also served his country during the Korean conflict from 1952 until 1953 as a member of the 101st Airborne Division. After retiring from the military service, he began a 24 year career as a salesman with Acacia Mutual Life Insurance Company and moved his growing family to College Park. He was an active member of the College Park United Methodist Church, where he served as a steward for a number of years. Mr. Gilbert was Grand Master of Masonic Lodge #54 and active in many local school organizations as his six children grew up in College Park schools. He, with Nedra, served as President of the PTA and President of the Band Parents Club at various times. Mr. Gilbert also served as Scout Master when his boys were in the Cub Scouts of America. He was an avid and accomplished golfer, spending a number of spring days as part of “Arnie’s Army” at The Masters with his brother-in-law, Buddy Mason. Mr. Gilbert is survived by his wife, Nedra; daughters and sons-in-law, Peggy and Jeff Reuschle, Susie and Dan Dyer; sons and daughters-in-law, Douglas, Jr. and Janna Gilbert, Don and Myra Gilbert, Dennis and Martha Gilbert, David and Vicki Gilbert; 16 grandchildren; several great-grandchildren. He is also survived by nieces and nephews, other relatives and many friends. Funeral services will be conducted Wednesday, December 19, 2007 at 2:00p.m. in the Chapel of Conner-Westbury Funeral Home. Interment will follow in the veterans section of Oak Hill Cemetery, with military honors. Friends may visit the family Tuesday from 6-8pm in the parlor of College Park United Methodist Church, Main Street in College Park. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 1925 Century Blvd, Suite 10, Atlanta, GA 30345 or to the GA War Veterans Home, 15th Street, Augusta, GA 30909 in memory of Mr. Gilbert.

Douglas Lamar Gilbert, Sr.

May 3, 1918 - December 16, 2007