CSM (Ret) Robert F. "Bob" Gilbert, Sr.

CSM (Ret) Robert F. “Bob” Gilbert, Sr., 95, of Phenix City, AL, died peacefully at his home surrounded by family on Sunday, June 29, 2025.

Funeral services with U.S. Army honors will be held at 11:00 am (EST) on Friday, July 18, 2025, in the chapel of Vance Brooks Funeral Home, Phenix City, AL, with Rev. Jonathan Merritt officiating. A private interment will follow at Ft. Mitchell National Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 10:00 am until the funeral hour on Friday at the funeral home.

CSM (Ret) Gilbert was born April 12, 1930, in Camden, ME, son of the late Joseph Henry Gilbert and Mary Frances Minor. He retired from the U.S. Army after 31 years of service. CSM (Ret) Gilbert was a three-war veteran who served during the World War II Era, and two tours in both the Korean and Vietnam Wars. He was an Airborne, Infantry Ranger who was inducted into the Ranger Hall of Fame in 2013.

His military decorations and medals include: Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal, Bronze Star Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Good Conduct Medal, United Nations Service Medal, Korean Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge, Meritorious Unit Commendation, Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation, Master Parachute Badge, Pathfinder Badge, Ranger Tab, Valorous Unit Award, Republic of Vietnam Armor Badge, Republic of Vietnam Civil Actions Honor Medal, Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm, and Nine Oversea Bars.

Mr. Gilbert will be remembered as a patriot who gave his all to the service of our Country. He was also a generous man who often gave his children and grandchildren gifts or loans for homes, cars, and land purchases. In addition, he regularly supported several children’s, animal, and political causes.

Mr. Gilbert was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Mary Frances Minor; his wife, Sara N. Smith Gilbert; two sisters, Ruth Rich and Barbara Morrison.

Survivors include his two daughters, Carole Tillman and Mary Holcomb, both of Little Rock, AR; two sons, Joseph “Joey” H. Gilbert, Cusseta, GA, and Robert Gilbert, Jr. Columbus, GA; 13 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren; loving and devoted caregiver to both Mrs. Gilbert and Mr. Gilbert, Judy Horne; several nieces, nephews, and friends.

CSM (Ret) Gilbert’s Veteran’s Memorial Page: https://www.vlm.cem.va.gov/ROBERTFRANCISGILBERT/aa044a