Orville Gilbert 83, of Salem, passed away Thursday, June 8, 2023 at Baptist Health Floyd, New Albany surrounded by loved ones.
Orville was born April 23,1940 in Clay County Kentucky. He was the son of Bige and Martha Bowling Gilbert, both of whom preceded him in death.
He never strayed from his Kentucky roots and his heart never left. He enjoyed his relationship with his Kentucky family and the Historical society.
Orville was a graduate of Salem High School class of 1958, and
married his lifelong partner Ruth Ann Russell, September 26, 1959 and she survives.
Orville and Ruth Ann operated a dairy farm and raised tobacco.
Orville was also a member of the Laborers Union Local 795, he worked construction building bridges and roads and retired after many years; he continued to farm and has cows in his fields still today.
Orville is also survived by his four children. Stacey Gilbert, Lesle
(Chris) Leis, Marty (Charlie) Lilly, and Nathan Gilbert. He is survived by his grandchildren, Travis (Dia) Becraft, Kristen (Justin) Fourman, Tyra (Derek) Walden, Logan (Erin) Lilly, Gretchen Leis, Kiley Gilbert, and Bailey Leis. Great grandchildren, Alaina Davidson, Kaylie, Jackson, and Olivia Fourman, Kaylea Stewart, Paxton Becraft, Kinzley Walden.
Also survived by 2 sisters Esther Chastain of Salem and Mary Pickerill of Pekin. 1 Brother Don Gilbert of Salem.
He was preceded in death by 1 sister: Helen Shields and 1 brother: William Gilbert.
Funeral Services will be conducted at 11:00 am on Monday, June 12, 2023, at Dawalt Funeral Home, Salem, IN. Friends may call at the funeral home on Sunday June 11, 2023, 4:00 – 8:00 pm, and 9 am until time of the service on Monday. Interment will follow at Crown Hill Cemetery.
Memorial Contribution may be sent to
Winslow Cemetery Association
c/o Lesle Leis
912 N. Main St.
Salem, IN 47167
