Merle Gilbert

Merle L. Gilbert, Sr., 82 of Chambersburg, PA, passed away Saturday morning, April 30, 2016 at his home. Born March 29, 1934 in Nyesville, PA, he was a son of the late Alfred W. and Susan C. Jones Gilbert. Merle attended Chambersburg schools and co-owned and operated the former Gilbert and Flagle Logging in Fayetteville for nearly 40 years prior to his retirement. He enjoyed outdoor yard work; was an avid fan and enjoyed watching his favorite Baltimore Orioles and Washington Redskins as well as NASCAR.

He is survived by his wife, Sandy Pilgrim Gilbert, whom he married February 12, 2007; six children, Merle L. Gilbert, Jr. (Deb) of Chambersburg, Patty I. Weller (John Brown) of Fayetteville, Charles L. Gilbert (ZeeZee Ehrhart) of Fayetteville, Rob A. Gilbert (Julie Carbaugh) of Chambersburg, Steve D. Gilbert (Kim) of Fayetteville, and V. Keith Gilbert (Dustina) of Fayetteville; three step-children, Brian D. McClure (April) of Chambersburg, Kim L. Weyer (Preston Holden) of Chambersburg, and Craig D. McClure (Ruth) of Shippensburg; sixteen grandchildren, nineteen great-grandchildren, and two great-great grandchildren. He is also survived by six siblings, Catherine E. Carbaugh of Fayetteville, Alfred E. Gilbert, Sr. of Chambersburg, Frances I. Flagle, Barbara A. Hock, M. Jane Beidel, and Roger H. Gilbert, all of Fayetteville. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers, Raymond L and Richard L. Gilbert; two step-brothers, William and Walter Gilbert; and two step-sisters, Grace Ewan and Isabelle Hykes.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 PM Thursday, May 5, 2016 in the Chapel of Thomas L. Geisel Funeral Home and Cremation Center, 333 Falling Spring Road, Chambersburg, PA. Pastor Staci Geesaman will officiate. Interment will follow at Parklawns Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service on Thursday.

Memorial contributions may be made to SpiriTrust Lutheran Home Care and Hospice, 2700 Luther Drive, Chambersburg, PA 17202.