GARY WAYNE GILBERT

Gary Wayne Gilbert Major Gary Wayne Gilbert, U. S. Army Retired, of Ozark, passed away Friday, July 19, 2013, in Flat Rock, Alabama after a sudden illness. He was 65. Funeral services with full military honors will be held at 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, July 24, 2013, in the Fuqua-Bankston Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Dr. Christian Eckert and Mr. Hugh Foshee officiating. Interment will be conducted at a later date in Arlington National Cemetery. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the funeral home on Wednesday. Gary Wayne Gilbert, son of the late Charly and Clara Tennison Gilbert, was born August 25, 1947 in Crane, Texas. During his distinguished military career, he served his country as a rotary wing pilot in the Vietnam Conflict and was a MIA/POW in Laos for almost three years. His decorations included the Army Service Ribbon, Senior Army Aviation Badge, Overseas Service Ribbon-2, OS Service Bars -2, Armed Forces Reserve Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with one Silver and one Bronze Service Star, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnamese Cross of Galantry with Palm (Unit), National Defense Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal (second award), Purple Heart, Distinguished Flying Cross with Oak Leaf Cluster, Army Commendation Medal, Air Medal - 25, Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal and POW Medal. He was also an active member of the First United Methodist Church of Ozark. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials be made to First United Methodist Church, 167 East Broad Street, Ozark, Alabama, 36360. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by one brother, Paul Gilbert. Survivors include his wife of 34 years, Rhonda Austin Gilbert of Ozark, Alabama; his sister, Carla Bynum, of Brownfield, Texas; and his brother, Charles Gilbert (Lavonna) of Dallas, Texas. Fuqua-Bankston Funeral Home in Ozark (334) 774-4551, is in charge of arrangements. Members of the Dignity Memorial network. Condolences may be offered online at www.fuquabankston.com. Sign the guestbook at www.dothaneagle.com.