Harry Eugene "Gene" Gilbert Jr.

Harry Eugene "Gene" Gilbert Jr., 59, Nevada, passed away on Tuesday, Nov. 22, 2011, at Nevada Regional Medical Center, following a lengthy illness. He was born on Jan. 3, 1952, in Ft. Hood, Texas, to Harry E. Gilbert and Bettylee Purdy Gilbert. He married Debbie O'Neal Lechman on July 21, 1996, in Nevada, and she survives of the home.

Gene grew up in Nevada and graduated from Nevada High School in 1970. He worked in numerous restaurant management positions in several states. Gene worked for ABBA Electric and McKinney Construction until his early retirement in 1996 due to health issues. Gene became a licensed minister in February 2010. He enjoyed serving the Lord and held bible studies at his home every day. He was a member of the Christ Church of Nevada.

In addition to his wife, Debbie O'Neal Lechman Gilbert, survivors include their children, Celeste Gilbert and Faith Gilbert; former wife, Linda Macklin and son, John Gilbert; former wife, Cindy Stratton and daughter, Vallerie Gilbert; and former wife, Beth Dove and children, Sundena Nickels, Rajeana Bonar and Ashley Gilbert; two stepchildren, Spring Lechman Monroe and Bryan Lechman; 16 grandchildren, Jonathon, Scilar, Austin, Jonathan, Madison, Bailey, Isaac, Zane, Mason, Bailey, Avian, Maicy, Mikayla, Madeline, Kylee and Hannah; three great-grandchildren, Samantha, Bently and Brooklynn; two sisters, Terri Villafane` and her husband, Raul, Walker, Mo., Patti Fields and her husband, Kenny, El Dorado Springs, Mo.; nieces and nephews, Jose`, Sally, Jess, Wendi and Nathan; great-nieces and nephews, Kurtis, TygerLilye, Sebastian, Harmony, Ethan, Michaela, Logan, Reagan and Griffin. He was preceded in death by his parents and one granddaughter, Latisha.

Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m., Saturday, Nov. 26, at the First Baptist Church in Nevada. Interment will follow in Moore Cemetery, Nevada. The family will receive friends from 5-7 p.m., Friday, Nov. 25, at Ferry Funeral Home, 301 S. Washington, Nevada. Friends may call now and until 7 p.m., Friday, at the funeral home.

Those who wish may contribute to a scholarship fund for his children in care of Ferry Funeral Home, Nevada.

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