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In Memory

Michael Gilbert - Class Of 1969

 

Michael Harris Gilbert, 71, passed away February 6, 2023, in Southaven, MS. A visitation will be held Friday, February 24, 2023, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at Coleman Funeral Home of Southaven (626 Star Landing Road East, Southaven, MS, 38672). A memorial service will immediately follow at 11:00 a.m., also at Coleman Funeral Home of Southaven. A committal service will be held Friday, February 24, 2023, at West Tennessee Veterans Cemetery (4000 Forest Hill Irene Rd, Memphis, TN 38125) at 1:00 p.m. Mike’s dear cousin Rev. Mark Vanderput will be officiating his service. Coleman Funeral Home of Southaven is in charge of arrangements. Michael Harris Gilbert was born on June 4, 1951, in Wray, CO. At five years old, his family moved to McCook, Nebraska where he lived the remainder of his childhood and first met the love of his life, Janet. In 1969, Mike and Janet graduated high school and he began his work with the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad. However, in 1970, he was drafted into the United States Marine Corps. He served the United States for six years and fought in the Vietnam War. When Mike returned home, he and Janet married on August 21, 1976. Upon his return he also resumed his work at the railroad, eventually retiring after 41 years as Manager of the Signals Department in Kansas City, MO. When he was not working or spending time with his family and friends, Mike was on adventures or remodeling the entire house. He could fix anything, being a skilled handy man, electrician, mechanic and carpenter. He was an avid outdoorsman. He enjoyed running, bicycling, camping, hunting, whitewater rafting and mountain climbing. He spent many years hunting, primarily in Wyoming and Alaska, amongst other hunting excursions. He had many beautiful trophies he was proud of, even donating one of his bears to the Einstein's Adventurarium in Gillette, WY. He made so many true friends throughout his life, making friends everywhere he went. No one ever felt like a stranger around Mike, and he cherished each person he met. He had a true gift of being a storyteller, and one of his greatest pleasures was to make people laugh through his stories. Mike was a believer in Jesus Christ as his Savior and Lord, and he wanted to help people to know Him too (John 3:16; John 14:6; Ephesians 2:8-9). He would often send Bible verses to encourage others through cards and text messages. His love for the Lord, his love for people, and his great, fun sense of humor were a delight and blessing to everyone. Many are proud to call him their relative, friend, and hero. Mike is survived by his wife of 47 years, Janet Gilbert of Southaven, MS; his daughter, Mischa Parra (Christian) of Raleigh, NC; his son, Joshua Gilbert (Casey) of Olive Branch, MS; his grandsons, Isaac Gilbert, Lucas Gilbert, and Jude Gilbert, all of Olive Branch, and Jacob Gurley of Nesbit, MS; his sister, Patricia Holt of Omaha, NE; his brother, James Gilbert (Sharon) of Omaha, NE, three nephews and three nieces, his Aunt Donna Vanderput of Bird City, KS, and many beloved cousins. He was preceded in death by his father, George Gilbert; and his mother, Murveen Gilbert. In lieu of flowers, donations in honor of Michael Harris Gilbert may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital (www.stjude.org/donate or mail check or money order to "ALSAC/St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN, 38105). In honor of Michael Harris Gilbert's service to our country, the flag of the United States Marine Corps will be flown at Coleman Funeral Home of Southaven the day of the service. 

Open photo

 

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