Robert Franklin Wilbert Iii

The family of Robert Franklin Wilbert III (AKA "Bobby," "Boompah," and "GrandPirate") are heartbroken to announce his passing on April 3, 2021. He died surrounded by his children at age 72. Bobby will be remembered as a charismatic man who set others at ease, a practical joker who gave magic-marker mustaches to unsuspecting slumberers, a teller of hilarious tales, and a complicated man who was who was warm, loving, and kind.

Bobby was a Marine and a Vietnam veteran.Like many veterans, he struggled with PTSD, and his family admires him for learning to open up about that struggle. He earned a bachelor's degree in information technology when he was 66, fulfilling a lifelong ambition he had once considered out of reach. He loved dancing, telling jokes , and reminiscing about youthful hijinks with his siblings. His children and grandchildren carry on this proud tradition of practical joking and hijinkery.

Bobby was preceded in death by his father, Robert "Big Bob" Wilbert Jr and his brother, Gary Wilbert. He is survived by his mother, Doris Wilbert; his sisters Beverly White, Vicky Gillespie, Sandy Hourigan, and Donna Nord; his children Todd Wilbert, Michele Jasne, Joshua Wilbert, Zachary Wilbert, and Adam Wilbert; and his 10 grandchildren.

A celebration of his life will be held on Thursday, April 8 from 6-9 pm, at Owen Funeral Home, 5317 Dixie Highway, Louisville. A funeral mass will follow on Friday, April 9, at 10:00 am at St. Paul Catholic Parish, 6901 Dixie Hwy in Louisville.

In lieu of flowers, Bobby's family requests that donations be made to the PTSD Foundation of America.