William Charles “Bill” Gilbert, 81, of Portsmouth, passed away Nov. 3, 2009, at the SOMC Hospice Center.

Bill was born in Marion, Ohio, Sept. 12, 1928, the youngest son of the late Carl Edward Gilbert and Hazel Marie Jacobs Gilbert. He was preceded in death by two brothers, Robert and Jay Gilbert; and three sisters, Garnet Simmons, Janie Klingenberger, and Phyllis Gilbert.

He is survived by his wife, Joan “Jo” Bailey Gilbert whom he married on Aug. 10, 1956, in Marion, Ohio; one daughter, Leslie Jo (John) Sisler of Lucasville; and two beloved grandsons, Jacob Joseph (Breanne) Sisler of Athens, Ohio, and Seth William Sisler of Lucasville.

Bill graduated from Marion Harding High School in 1947. He played football and following graduation played semi-pro football for the Marion Angels from 1948-1949. He was a Korean War veteran having received an honorable discharge as a Sergeant First Class, Army. He retired from GTE in 1987 after 37 years, having been a supervisor during those years. In 2000 he retired from the Clay School District after 13 years as a bus driver.

Private family memorial services will be held at F.C. Daehler Mortuary Company in Portsmouth at the family’s convenience.

In lieu of flowers, direct contributions in memory of William “Bill” Gilbert to the SOMC Hospice Center, 2201 25th St., Portsmouth, OH 45662.

Special thanks to the wonderful, caring staff of the SOMC Hospice Center.