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CHRISTOPHER GILBERT Obituary

December 21, 1987 - December 13, 2014 OKLAHOMA CITY With a smile that lit up a room, Christopher Williams Gilbert will be remembered as a wonderful son, compassionate friend, fierce trivia and video game competitor, armchair philosopher, outgoing leader and young man deeply loved by many. Born in Oklahoma City to Dr. Kerri Williams and John Gilbert on December 21, 1987, Chris left this life December 13, 2014, just a few days before his 27th birthday. He graduated from Heritage Hall High School before attending The University of Oklahoma, where he graduated with distinction with a B.A. in psychology and an M.B.A. from the Price College of Business. He was an active member of Phi Gamma Delta fraternity and made many close friends, with whom he loved sharing new experiences and meaningful conversation. Chris held internships in Governor Mary Fallin's office and Heritage Trust Company before going to work at Kirkpatrick Bank, where he worked until just recently accepting a position with Access Midstream. Even as a young child, Christopher was an organizer and a leader who regularly came up with great ideas and recruited others to implement them, including rallying the neighbors (both adults and children) to build a tree house in his neighbor's backyard. He earned his Eagle Scout award by clearing and preparing a third camp site at Camp DaKaNi. Chris was an avid reader, a fan of cheesy horror movies, a sports enthusiast and a fitness buff. His warmth, sense of humor and kind spirit created a positive and lasting impression on all he met. He was dearly loved by all his high school classmates, fraternity brothers and numerous friends. Thanksgiving 2014 will always be remembered as a joyful holiday with Christopher baking pies with his dad, eating Lonnie "Nanu's" wonderful meal, playing games with family and enjoying time with cousins. His family jokes that he inherited only the best qualities from each of his parents, including his dad's height and mom's intellect and good looks. Christopher is survived by his adoring father, John; grandmother, Lonnie "Nanu" Williams; uncle and aunt, Mike and Lisa Gilbert; aunt, Ardyth Jimerson; and cousins, Natalie and Katie Gilbert and Matthew and Karah Jimerson; many dear friends; and beloved Boxer, Ajax. Preceding him in death and welcoming him in her heavenly arms is his mother, Kerri, who died in 1996, less than a month after Chris's 8th birthday. He was also preceded in death by his grandfather, Bernie Williams; and grandparents, Emma and George Gilbert. A memorial service to celebrate Christopher's life will be held at 1 p.m. Friday, December 19, 2014, at Church of the Servant, 14343 N. MacArthur Blvd. In remembrance of his mom's battle with cancer and the void her absence left in his life, memorial gifts may be made to the local Susan G. Komen chapter at 115 Park Ave, OKC, OK 73102 (or www.komencentralwesternok.org).

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Oklahoman on Dec. 17, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
for CHRISTOPHER GILBERT

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Debi Walstad

December 11, 2022

He was a bright light shining in my 3rd grade classroom every single day. I enjoyed getting to know his parents, especially John. Holidays are hard, but try as best you can to focus on all his wonderful qualities, today and always

Debby Pindell French

March 18, 2015

John, I am so very sorry for the loss of your precious son! There are no words that I can say to relieve your pain. I will continue to keep you in my prayers. Your friend, Debby Pindell French!

Rick, Michelle, Richard & Robby Bappert

December 23, 2014

John, We are so very sorry for your loss, words simply cannot express it. We will continue to remember Chris as he was in school and in scouts with Richard. Praying for you and your family.

Lynn Sauble

December 22, 2014

Knowing Lonnie and Ardyth for many many years, I was blessed to have heard all about Chris and his life. He was so very loved by you and many others. I am deeply sorry for your loss.

December 19, 2014

Words cannot adequately describe how very sorry we are for the loss of Chris. We will forever remember the tall, lanky young man who kept everyone laughing at sleepovers and after-game celebrations during our years at Heritage Hall. Chris was an achiever who accomplished much in his life, no doubt touching many for good. He will be missed greatly. We pray that God will sustain you through this time with the strength that only He can give.

Dan, Jeaneen & Kris Pointer

Rhonda Baldwin

December 19, 2014

I was blessed to know Chris while working at the OU MBA Program. When Chris graduated from the program, he had the world at his feet. He was an amazing young man and I am so deeply saddened of his loss. My deepest sympathy and prayers go out to his family and friends. Rest in Peace my friend.

Brad Jernigan

December 18, 2014

So very sorry for your loss!

December 18, 2014

Dear Ardyth and Family,

It was so good to talk to you Ardyth. I'm so sorry for your family's loss of Christoper. Even though I didn't have a chance to know him, I appreciated hearing about him. He sounds like an amazing young man and I know you will miss him so much! Love to the whole family

Camille Evans-Paterson

Gina Lowry

December 18, 2014

I have nothing but wonderful memories of Chris. He was a model student, classroom leader, and a great friend and teammate. Although I have not seen him or talked to him for some years, hearing this news instantly leaves a void in my heart that will remain forever.
My thoughts, love, and prayers are with his family and friends. He will forever be missed!! We need more Christopher Gilberts in this world.

John, Neena, Liam & Michael Sharp

December 18, 2014

John,
We cannot express the sorrow and pain we feel for your tragic loss. Our hearts and prayers go out to you and we are thinking of you, remembering the times we shared with Christopher at Heritage Hall, baseball, basketball, and the scouts during our time in Oklahoma. Wishing you hope in the midst of your sorrow, comfort in the midst of your pain.

Jayne Underwood

December 18, 2014

John, Gary & I are keeping you and family in our prayers. Words alone cannot do justice to express our feelings for your loss. I will always remember the Easter egg hunts when the kids were little. Christopher was a sweet, tender child. I'm sure he grew into a sweet, tender man like his parents. We love you.

Lauren Hammack

December 17, 2014

John and Family,

It is true that Chris lit up a room. I enjoyed having him in French class and, like everyone who knew him, I adored him for his kind, sunny nature.

Chris was the finest of young men. He loved to laugh, always had a kind word, was quick to help in any way and genuinely cared for others. At his core, he was a gentle spirit and a friend to all.

I'm so thankful to have spent many happy days with him in class and, as I grieve with you in the loss of your sweet boy, I know my memory of Chris will always take me back to those brief, precious days when we laughed together.

Sending prayers of love and peace to you and your family, as well as a word of thanks for giving the world -- and every room in it -- the light we called Christopher.

Graham Turner

December 17, 2014

Chris you will be extremely missed....i know we haven't talked much since we graduated high school together which is a shame but our memories dressing up as cheerleaders and the girls from HH as our football players wearing our jerseys at halloween growing up will always be loving memories..you brought this world so much joy...my condolences to your family

Kim Redbird

December 17, 2014

John and Lonnie,
My heart has been aching for you since reading about your tragic loss. There are no words to express the sorrow I am feeling for your family and Ajax. Please know that you all are constantly in my thoughts. Stay strong.

Lyle Thornton

December 17, 2014

John and Lonnie,
I am so sorry to learn of this heartbreaking news. Christopher was truly an amazing young man. Having grown up with Kerri, I know her influence and beautiful spirit impacted his life, as did yours. My prayers for God's peace and comfort are with you all at this very difficult time.

December 17, 2014

John, words cannot express how my heart breaks for you and your family.Chris sounds like a marvelous young man.

Nancy Love Robertson

December 17, 2014

John, what is written about Christopher paints a beautiful portrait of a very special young man. My words are inadequate in expressing the sorrow I feel for you and Lonnie. I'm holding you close in my heart.

Debi Walstad

December 17, 2014

Christpher was one of my memorable 3rd grade students at Heritage Hall. Upon many occasions did he teach me the
way, In His Way! Delegate, Delegate was his personal motto. Keep your hands free bigger & better things. So sorry for this loss for all who knew him

Elaine Bappert

December 17, 2014

John,

Richard and I are so sorry for your loss. We both have so many memories of school and scouts. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Elaine Bappert & Richard

Sam Larsen

December 17, 2014

We're sorry, John. Heartbroken for you, your family and friends. You and Christopher will always be in our hearts and minds.

Susie and Steve Reel

December 17, 2014

John, Lonnie and family,
I've been fortunate to share "growing up" stories about Christopher with John and Lonnie throughout the years. Christopher grew up to be a wonderful young man because of your loving influence. God will hold him tight as you all always have. Our prayers and love are with you.

Lisa Morgan

December 17, 2014

I haven't seen Chris since he was a little boy when I worked for his mom Kerri. She was a great woman and I think of her often. I am so sorry for your loss, but I know that Chris is with Kerri in heaven. John and Lonnie please know that I am praying for you all.

Martha Walker

December 17, 2014

No words to express the profound sadness I am feeling for you, my friend. Please lean on your friends and know that all of us love you and are here for you in any way you need. You are loved by so many, John. Prayers for peace for your broken heart.

Julia Ryerson Witherington

December 17, 2014

Ardyth, John and family,
We are so sorry In such a tragic loss. My family will continue to pray for peace, strength and comfort for each of you. We will keep you in our thoughts. Ardyth I am only a phone call away so call me if you need me. I love you tons and so sorry...
Julia Ryerson
Sarah, Elizabeth and David Witherington

Jeffrey Jenkins, I

December 17, 2014

The Gilbert Family, It is with deep sadness that I write this note but with pleasure I can write this note for such a Joyous occasion that I knew the family. Chris was one of my Scouts that I have had the opportunity to see him touch the lives of others. My prayers are with the family. Thanks for sharing such a good person with us and allowing us to see him blossom. I am deeply touch my his goodness and kindness. May God continue to bless this family and circle of friends. God Bless you and keep you.

Jeffrey K. Jenkins, I
and sons, Jeffrey and Jared (Chris' classmate, fellow Scouts, and alumni)

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