CHURUBUSCO - Charles E. "Charlie" Gilbert, 58, of Warsaw, and formerly of Churubusco, was found dead at 1:02 p.m. Oct. 22, 2010, in his residence. Although he had suffered some health problems, his death was unexpected.
He was born Dec. 2, 1951, in Columbia City, to Edward E. and Freda E. Wise Gilbert.
He spent his formative years in Churubusco and graduated from Churubusco High School. He formerly worked at Egolf's IGA, Churubusco, and later was a self-employed logger in Montana.
His real passion in life was blue grass music, and he was an expert at the banjo, guitar and fiddle. He had played in many bands over the years, and had also recorded for National Public Radio.
Surviving are his siblings: Fred C. (and spouse Coreen) Gilbert and Edward J. Gilbert, all of Fort Wayne; Thomas E. (and spouse Sue) Gilbert and Sarah A. Gilbert, all of Churubusco; and Eleen Jefferies, LaOtto; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, who died April 5, 2005, and his mother, who died Jan. 11, 2007.
Services will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday at Sheets & Childs Funeral Home, Churubusco, with Steve Ardhuerumly officiating. Burial will be in Eel River Cemetery, south of Churubusco.
Calling is from 2 to 5 and 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home with a blue grass jam fest from 7 to 8 p.m.
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Memorials may be made to the Otis R. Bowen Center for Human Services, 850 N. Harrison St., Warsaw, IN 46580.
Condolence may be sent via www.sheetsandchilds.net
