Lee Gilbert

Lee Gilbert, 79, Springfield, Mo., formerly of Nevada, Mo., passed away on Thursday, Oct. 6, 2011, at Cox South Hospital in Springfield, Mo. He was born June 28, 1932, in Quincy, Mo., to Louis Houston Gilbert and Della Rose Frala Gilbert. He married Wanda R. Cross on Nov. 26, 1949, in Kansas City, Mo., and she survives of the home.

Lee was raised in St. Clair County and graduated from Osceola High School in 1949. He served in the 10th Infantry Division of the U.S. Army from 1952-1954 during the Korean Conflict. Lee and Wanda resided in Nevada for more than 20 years and have resided in Springfield for the past 14 years. Lee worked in banking his whole life having worked for the Bank of Osceola, Tri-County State Bank, El Dorado Springs, and First Finance Company in Nevada. He later operated banks in Golden City, Leadville, Colo., and several banks in southwest Missouri which now operate as Mid-Missouri Bank. Lee was a member of the Missouri Banker's Association, having received his 50 Year Banker Award, and The American Banker's Association. He was currently serving as Trustee for the Finis Moss Trust and was a member of the Highland Springs Country Club, Springfield, Mo.

Survivors in addition to his wife Wanda, include two daughters, Stephanie Gilbert, Lebanon, Mo., and Elizabeth Gilbert, Ozark, Mo.; two grandchildren, Brian Riedy and his wife, Kristin, Springfield, Mo., and Jennifer Riedy, Kansas City, Mo.; two great-grandchildren, Davis Lee Riedy and Paige Elizabeth Riedy; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; one daughter, Phyllis Ann Gilbert; one sister, Jewell Higgins; and two brothers, Edgar Gilbert and Russell Gilbert.

Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m., Monday, Oct. 10, at Ferry Funeral Home, 301 S. Washington, Nevada, with the Rev Bill Platt officiating. Interment will follow in Newton Burial Park, Nevada.

Those who wish may contribute to the American Heart Association in care of Ferry Funeral Home, 301 S. Washington, Nevada, in his memory.

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