Clifford Byron “Babe” Gilbert, 83, McCracken, Kansas, died Wednesday, July 29, 2020, at his home.
Babe was born July 12, 1937, in Cañon City, Colorado, the son of Harold Leonard “Hap” and Clara Lucille (Flack) Gilbert. He was a resident of McCracken, Kansas, for 76 years, moving from Bushton, Kansas. A 1955 graduate of McCracken High School, McCracken, Kansas, and a 1965 graduate of Fort Hays Kansas State College, Hays, Kansas, with a Degree in Earth Science, And Physical Education, he taught for the McCracken, Kansas, school district, and the Otis-Bison school district. During that time Babe enjoyed coaching basketball, football, and track for 17 years. After his retirement, he was a substitute teacher in Rush County, Kansas, and Ness County, Kansas. Babe was also an Independent Insurance Agent for the Citizens State Bank, McCracken, Kansas, and for Farmers Bank & Trust, La Crosse, Kansas, after serving a number of years as a Loan Officer.
As a youth, Babe worked for many area farmers until he enlisted in the United States Army. After his Army discharge, he worked for the railroad until he was hired as an officer for the La Crosse Police Department, La Crosse, Kansas.
Babe was a United States Army veteran, serving during the Korean Conflict as a PFC. He served active duty from 1955 to 1957, and inactive duty from 1957 to 1959.
He was a member of the United Methodist Church, McCracken, Kansas; a 40+ year member of the Order of the Eastern Star #228, Hays, Kansas; a 54 year member of Walnut City Masonic Lodge #215, Rush Center, Kansas; and a 63 year member of American Legion Post 59, McCracken, Kansas.
On August 2, 1959, he married Arlene Wilson at the United Methodist Church, McCracken, Kansas.
Survivors include: his wife, Arlene Gilbert, McCracken, Kansas; one son, Brett Gilbert (Holly), McCracken, Kansas; three granddaughters, Haily Rogers (Brandt), Ness City, Kansas, Courtney Gilbert, Catoosa, Oklahoma, and Erica Gilbert, Topeka, Kansas; two great grandsons, Calum Byron Rogers, and Cannon Everett Rogers; three sisters in law, Sandy Gilbert, Merino, Colorado, Marlene Funk (Bob), WaKeeney, Kansas, and Verlene Wilson, WaKeeney, Kansas; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, LeRoy Gilbert, and Dean Gilbert; one sister in law, Betty Gilbert; and a great niece, Anna Bergquist.
Memorial service will be Monday, August 3, 2020, at 10:30 A.M. at the McCracken City Park, McCracken, Kansas, with Reverend Kathy Bannister officiating.
Social distancing is recommended at the memorial service, so please bring your lawn chairs.
Masks are also recommended.
Due to Covid 19, if you have a fever, cough, or are not feeling well,
please send condolences via the on line guestbook, or mail.
There will be a private inurnment at the McCracken City Cemetery, McCracken, Kansas, at a later date.
In lieu of flowers or plants, the family requests memorials to the Clifford Byron “Babe” Gilbert Memorial Fund to be distributed to Babe’s favorite organizations.
Condolences or remembrances may be left for the family at www.janousekfuneralhome.com.
Arrangements were by Janousek Funeral Home, 719 Pine Street, P O Box 550, La Crosse, Kansas 67548, 785/222-2517.