David W. Gilbert, 71, of Van Wert passed away peacefully April 24th in Chesapeake, Virginia. He was surrounded by loving family.

Born in Van Wert on June 1, 1948, to the late Dale and Marianne (Robinson) Gilbert, Dave spent his youth in Van Wert and graduated from Van Wert High School in 1966.

Dave was a true American patriot. He joined the United States Navy just one week shy of his 18th birthday. He proudly served two tours to Vietnam aboard the USS Okinawa. He was Honorably discharged after three years of Active Duty service and continued to serve in the Naval Reserve almost three additional years.

After his Naval Service, Dave worked as a supervisor for Teleflex where he worked for 20 years. He eventually retired as a supervisor from Bhar Inc. of Fort Wayne.

He was well known for and took great pride in taking care of his people. Many of his closest friends were, at some point in time, his co-workers. He truly enjoyed making others laugh.

Dave was a longtime member to both the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars. He also enjoyed spending the holidays with his family in Virginia Beach and Van Wert, golfing, playing cards, watching game shows on TV, compulsively obsessing over every detail, and spending time at his camper where he had many friends.

He spent his last month at home accepting visitors, reminiscing, and being showered with love and affection by those closest to him.

He was preceded in death by twin brother, Donald.

He is survived by his sister, Connie Francis of Meansville, GA; son, Keith (Trisha) Gilbert of Port Richey, FL; daughter, Jennifer (Chris) Gemmer of Chesapeake, VA; grandchildren Austin (Haley) McNeilan; Andrew Gilbert; Tyler (Lee'Hannah) McNeilan; Brooke Gemmer; and Leigha Gilbert; great-grandchildren Brodie, Kaizer, Aurora, Carter, and Dakota. In addition, he is survived by his long-time girlfriend, Melinda Trinosky of Van Wert; children Jennifer (Brandon) Hundley, Stephanie Fannon, Melissa Fannon; and grandchildren Justice Glossett, Liberty Dickerhoof, Trinity Story, Alexavier Mason, Serenity Fannon, and Jevin Moton.

Patriotic, loud, and comedic, Dave, will be dearly missed by many. He cherished a life filled with much love and laughter. And in true Dave style, we will have a back-up to the back-up.

A graveside memorial service with Military Honors will be held at Woodland Union Cemetery 10:00 AM on July 3rd. This will be followed by a celebration of his life from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM at the American Legion in Van Wert.

Memorial contributions in Dave's honor may be directed to CHP and The Angel Foundation of Van Wert at http://www.comhealthpro.org/community-health-professionals-donate.php.