Harlan Gilbert

FREDONIA, Kan. -- Harlan Gilbert, 76, died Thursday (June 19, 2003) at the Kansas Heart Hospital in Wichita, Kan.

He was born Oct. 1, 1926, in Rexford, Kan., to William Ira and Eva Lucinda (Keefer) Gilbert. He served for 21 1/2 years as a major in the U.S. Navy and Army National Guard. He retired in 1987 after 38 years as a resident engineer for the Kansas Department of Transportation State Highway Department.

On May 19, 1951, he married Genevieve R. Lemman in Oberlin.

He was a member of the First Christian Church in Fredonia.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Genevieve on April 18, 2000; one daughter, Betty Lou; and seven brothers and sisters.

Survivors include two sons, Michael Gilbert of Garden City, Kan., and Robert Gilbert of Springhill, Fla.; two sisters, Cora Ward of Seattle, Wash., and Evelyn Kurtz of Fall River, Kan.; three grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be Monday, 11 a.m., at the Timmons Funeral Chapel in Fredonia with Carl Gorton officiating.

Graveside services will be Wednesday, 11 a.m., at the Oberlin City Cemetery in Oberlin with full military rites conducted by Fort Riley.

Visitation is Sunday from 2-4 p.m. at the Timmons Funeral Home in Fredonia.

A memorial has been established in his name with the Kansas Heart Hospital.

Timmons Funeral Home of Fredonia is in charge of arrangements.