John was born on Sept. 8, 1947 in Philadelphia, Pa., the son of Dominic and Arita (Fortuna) Gilbert.

John was a loving husband, father, grandfather and was devoted to God. He was a member of the Antrim Church of Christ in Mancelona where he started the Antrim County Free Community Meal Program which is known as "Taking it to the Streets." John also headed up the Inner City Outreach of inner city Flint, serving thousands through meals and prayers under Pastor Richard Rottiers.

He served his country in the United States Air Force during Vietnam, was a Golden Gloves boxer, a karate instructor, and was known as a "Warrior of God's Kingdom." John was an avid Michigan State and Detroit Red Wing Hockey fan. In his spare time he enjoyed the outdoors, spending time with family, serving God and fishing.

On Sept. 8, 1997, in Angola, Ind., he married Carole E. Chisholm, who survives. Also surviving are 14 children, Michelle Rodriguez-Gilbert of Gaines, Reanae Gilbert of Flint, Heather (Josh) Curry, serving in the U.S. Army of Fairbanks, Alaska, Dawn Gilbert of Marquette, Tara (Kevin) Denner of Wetmore, Faith Gilbert of Apoka, Fla., Crystal (Junior) Poloski of Bandana, Ky., Melissa (Tom) McConnell of Fort Myers, Fla., Jamie (Christopher) Brant of Linden, James Arwood, Jason Arwood and Christopher Arwood all of Bellaire and Tina (Mike) McRorie of Flint. In addition to his children he is also survived by three brothers, Bill (Nancy) Gilbert of Burton, Dominic (Sue) Gilbert of Bay City, Joe (Carrol) Gilbert of Fenton, two sisters, Rita (Tony) DeFlorio of Flushing, Debbie (Joe) Petrowski of Flint, 44 grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, many nieces, nephews and many very special friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a son, Jason Edward Gilbert and a sister, Anna Marie Gilbert.

John's family would like to give a special thanks to Northwest Michigan Hospice, Dr. Ryan McConnell and Dr. Lisa Galloway.

Funeral services were held on Tuesday, April 29, at the Antrim Church of Christ in Mancelona. Pastor Mark McCool officiated.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Antrim County Free Community Meals Program.

Arrangements were handled by the Mancelona Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes.

Please sign our online guestbook at www.mortensenfuneralhomes.com.