Rebel Lee Gilbert, Sr.

Robert Lee Gilbert, Sr., born May 24, 1963 to Kenneth and Fern (Liles) Gilbert, made his departure from this life in the early morning of July 26, 2010. He passed away while sleeping at his residence in Mtn. Grove, Missouri. He was 47 years, 2 months and 2 days of age.

Rebel spent his childhood and much of his adult life in Exeter (Tuleville), California, before relocating to Missouri in 1997. On February 11, 1996, He was united in marriage to Paula Taylor, whom he had been with for eight years prior. They were together for twenty-two years and three children were born to this union.

Rebel was a character that no one will ever forget. His tough love ways earned him respect from the many people whose lives he touched throughout time.

He was an avid Seahawks fan, who enjoyed his Sunday football as much as he ever enjoyed anything in life. Though slightly rough around the edges, anyone who knew him, understood that when it came down to it, he would have done anything for the people he loved.

Rebel was a father figure to not only his own children, but also to the many children he offered refuge to in hard times.

He was preceded in death by his mother: Fern Gilbert.

He is survived by his beloved wife: Paula Gilbert of Mtn. Grove, Missouri; one daughter: Paulanne Gilbert of Mtn. Grove, Missouri; two sons: Rebel Gilbert, Jr. and Phillip Gilbert, both of Mtn. Grove, Missouri; his father and step-mother: Kenneth Sr., and Nita Gilbert of Woodlake, California; six brothers: Randy, Kenneth, Donald, and Rocky Gilbert, all of Mtn. Grove, Missouri, Michael Gilbert of Exeter, California, and Ronald Gilbert of Cuching, Oklahoma; and many nieces and nephews; three adopted sons: Joseph Naylor of Kansas City, Missouri, Levi Wheat of Springfield, Missouri, and James Frost of Mtn. Grove, Missouri; and two adopted daughters: Lindsey and Courtney Leggett of Mtn. Grove, Missouri.

Rebel was a man loved by many. His presence in our lives has been a blessing bestowed by the God he loved so much. We will forever remember the things he did for us and the lessons he taught us. He is in peace with our Heavenly father and will be waiting with open arms for all of his loved ones.