Galen Gilbert passed away on January 30, 2018 in Harrison, Arkansas.  He was born February 8, 1923 in Omaha, Arkansas, the son of Willie and Bessie (Mosteller) Gilbert.

He is preceded in death by his wife of 66 years, Ruth (Chaney) Gilbert, his parents; three brothers, Veltie, Vernie and George and four sisters, Vennie Gilbert, Vicie Conner, Violet Jones and Golda Norris.

Galen is survived by two sons, Gary Gilbert and wife Shirley of Omaha and Larry Gilbert and wife Sharon of Omaha; two grandsons, Grant Gilbert of Omaha and Brett Gilbert and wife Tina of Lead Hill; two granddaughters, Ginger Vaughn and husband Todd of Omaha and Gayla Sparks and husband Wesley of Omaha; six great grandchildren, Steven Gilbert and wife Myranda, Ethan Vaughn, Jordan Vaughn, Gunner Gilbert, Vicky Gilbert and Megan Vaughn; four great-great grandchildren, Avery Gilbert, Kadien Gilbert, Gracin Gilbert, Harper Ruth Gilbert and another one that is due in July.  He is also survived by his sister, Grada Dickey of Harrison.

Although he rarely spoke about his experiences overseas, Galen proudly served his country as a tail gunner in the Air Force in WWII.  He flew 35 missions throughout Europe including the D-Day invasion.  After Galen returned home from the service he managed Gilbert's Package Store in Ridgedale, Missouri.  Later on he and his wife ran a farm near Bear Creek where they lived for many years before retiring in Ridgeway.

Graveside services will be held on Thursday, February 1, 2018 at 10:00 a.m. at Gass Cemetery with Rev. Eddie Reed officiating.  There will be no visitation.  His grandsons will serve as pallbearers.  David Owens, who was his roommate, and the staff of Mt. Vista, who treated him like family, will be honorary pallbearers.

Arrangements are being handled by Coffman Funeral Home of Harrison.  Online condolences may be left at www.coffmanfh.com .