Ronald L Gilbert

Ronald Lifford Gilbert, known as Ron...Ronnie...Big Ronnie...Deacon Gilbert was a man of faith and family for 74 years. Born to Lifford and Dorothy Gilbert on May 17th, 1951 in Indianapolis, he would move to Junction City, KS as a teen when his father accepted a role as pastor. After his service in the military he would move back to his hometown of Indianapolis in his early 20's where he would build a life, a family and a community.

Ronnie was loved by many. He was quiet, but he led and served with strength. He enjoyed listening to jazz. He loved watching westerns (The Rifleman, Gunsmoke, and Bonaza). He dedicated his life to serving others. He served his country in Vietnam as a member of The United States Armed Forces. He worked at The United State Postal Service for 40 years. As a husband and father he led, he provided, he protected, and he sacrificed for the betterment of his family. As a believer, he faithfully served God and his church. He was unashamed of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Even in his most trying times his faith did not waver. He knew God, he loved God, he served God, and now his spirit is with God.

Ronald Gilbert was not a gardner in the physical sense of the word. However, he did understand the concept of sowing and reaping. Many of us are here today because of the seeds he planted. We are the fruit of his time, his prayers, his dedication, and his love.

Ron departed this life on the morning of January 31st, 2026 in his hometown of Indianapolis, IN. Ron is survived by his dedicated wife of 20 years, Norma Gilbert; his children, Ronald Gilbert, Laverne Mitchell, Nathan Gilbert, Jared Gilbert, Aaron (Lynette) Gilbert; and Bradley Woods; his eight grandchildren; his sister Deborah Jones; his brother, Reginald Gilbert; and a host of aunts, cousins, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, Lifford; his mother, Dorothy; and his siblings, Michele, Michael, D'Wayne and Billy.

A memorial service for Ron will be held March 8th at the Ginger Event Center / Summit Church located at 2160 W. 86th Street in Indianapolis, IN.