Early Lyman Gilbert

Early Lyman Gilbert, 91, of Huddleston, Va., passed away on Tuesday, December 2, 2008, at his residence. He was born on Wednesday, August 8, 1917, in Lansdale, Pa., a son of the late Early L. Gilbert Sr. and Vera Price Gilbert. He was also preceded in death by his wife of 54 years, Edith Roberta "Bobbie" Wofford Gilbert. He was a retired Certified Public Accountant with his father's firm, was a member and past president of both the Lansdale, Pa., Jaycees and Kiwanis Club as well as past Chariman of the Board at both Lansdale United Methodist Church and Patmos United Methodist Church at Huddleston, Va. He was also a Captain in the United States Army having served during World War II and was stationed in Newport News where he met and married his wife, Bobbie. Surviving are his two sons, Early L. Gilbert III, of Huddleston, Va., and John L. Gilbert and wife, Linda, of Egg Harbour, N.J.; two daughters, Janet L. Blankenship and husband, Robert, of Harleysville, Pa., and Julee Belsterling and her husband, the late Mark Belsterling, of Boyertown, Pa.; three grandchildren, Stephanie Blankenship, Robert E. Blankenship, and Julia L. Gilbert; a great-granddaughter, Karlee Blankenship; a sister, Rae Chrone, of Florida; and many nieces and nephews. The family requests that those wishing to make memorials consider Patmos United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 106, Huddleston, Va. 24104. Funeral services will be held 1 p.m. on Saturday, December 6, 2008, at Patmos United Methodist Church, where Early was a member, with the Rev. Dr. Carl H. Douglass Jr. officiating. Interment will follow in the church cemetery. Friends may call on Friday, December 5, 2008, after noon and the family will receive friends from 6 until 8 p.m. at Updike Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Huddleston, Va.