Chester L. Gilbert

OBITUARY: Chester Leroy "Chet" Gilbert



Chester Leroy "Chet" Gilbert, 85, Topeka, died Wed. morning, Aug. 22, 2007, at Stormont-Vail Hosp. Chet was born March 25, 1922, in Topeka, the son of Oscar A. and Eva Todd Gilbert. He was educated in Topeka Public Schools and graduated from Topeka High School in 1940.

Chet served in the U.S. Army Air Corps during WW II in the 8th Air Force stationed in England. He was self-employed with real estate rentals. He had worked for Jim Paugh Realtor and Coldwell Banker Griffith & Blair Realtors.

He was a member of Topeka Lodge # 17, AF & AM and served as Master in 1970; Topeka Scottish Rite Bodies; York Rite Bodies; Arab Shrine; Loyal Order of the Moose # 555; and Capitol Post # 1 of the American Legion. He was a former member of the Order of the Eastern Star. Chet served the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Kansas, AF & AM as Grand Master in 1978-79. He had also served as Vice-President and Secretary-Treasurer of The Kansas Masonic Foundation, a Masonic charity. One of his greatest enjoyments was planting, tending, and watching his flowers grow.

On Dec. 5, 1959, Chet was married to Rachael J. Nelson, who survives. Also surviving are 7 nieces: Kay Gilbert, Donna Gilbert, Susan Ford, Joan Rudman, Kay Blazier, Karen Slusser, and Linda Nelson and a nephew: Harold Nelson, Jr.

Funeral services will be at 1:00 PM, Sat., Aug. 25, 2007, at Brookwood Covenant Church. Topeka Lodge # 17, AF & AM will conduct Masonic Graveside Services at Penwell-Gabel Cemetery. Chet will lie in state after 3:00 PM, Friday, at Penwell-Gabel Parker-Price Chapel, 245 NW Independence, where the family will receive friends from 7:00 to 8:00 PM. Memorial contributions may be made to The Kansas Masonic Foundation, P.O. Box # 1217, Topeka, KS 66601-1217, or Brookwood Convenant Church, 3601 SW 33rd Street, Topeka, KS 66614-2800. To leave a special message for the family online, visit www.PenwellGabel.com.