Ralph T. Gilbert

Guymon, Oklahoma – Ralph T. Gilbert, 87, passed away Friday morning, February 2, 2018 at his home here in Guymon.

The son of Kathryn Mae “Katie” and Harry “Jack” Gilbert, Ralph Terril Gilbert was born April 9, 1930, on the Gilbert home just north of Liberal, Kansas.  Katie and Jack reared their family on a farm outside Moscow, Kansas, with Ralph attending school and graduating from Moscow High School in 1948.  He joined the United States Air Force in 1950, and while on leave the next year, Ralph met the love of his life, Mary Lou Renfroe at Liberal, Kansas.  He quickly returned home (“so she wouldn’t get away” to quote Ralph) and they married October 17, 1951 in Clayton, New Mexico.  While in the Air Force, Ralph was stationed in Florida, California and Texas.  After the Air Force, Ralph and Mary Lou returned to Kansas and Ralph began working for Magnolia Petroleum Company in 1954, which was later purchased by Mobil Oil.  Ralph began his career as a plant operator at the Hickock Gas Plant near Ulysses, and transferred to the Huff Plant near Guymon as a meter man in 1973, where he retired in 1986. 

Ralph found his Savior Jesus Christ and was baptized at the New Life Christian Center in 1993.  He and Mary Lou loved their church family and the friendships found in Christ.  Ralph's favorite verse was: The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.  He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.  He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Psalms 23:1-3

As a proud patriot and veteran, Ralph was a member of the American Legion, VFW and also enjoyed flying radio control airplanes with the local Flying Tigers RC Club, model railroading, photography, fishing, gardening, watching KU basketball, checking on the farm, spending time with Mary Lou (Baby Doll), his family and friends.

Mary Lou passed away January 31, 2017.  Ralph and Mary Lou were married for 65 years and are reunited again in heaven.          

Ralph is survived by four sons, Terry and Karen Gilbert, of Phoenix, Arizona; Royce and Deanna Gilbert of Wamego, Kansas; Arlen Gilbert and Natashia of Guymon; and James Gilbert and Shannon of Phoenix, Arizona; nine grandchildren, Matthew Gilbert, Tammy Hightower, Rachelle Bennett, Anthony Gilbert, Austin Gilbert, Ashley Wurtz, Trevor Gilbert, Luke Waechter, and Tesla Gilbert; and fourteen great grandchildren.  He is also survived by his sister, Zelma Kossuth of Hugoton, Kansas; and many nieces and nephews.

 Viewing will be Friday afternoon, February 9th, 12-8:00 PM with the Gilbert family present for visitation, 6:00-8:00 PM at the Henson-Novak Funeral Home, 501 NW Fifth Street, Guymon. 

Funeral services will be Saturday afternoon, February 10, 2018, 2:00 PM at the Henson-Novak Funeral Chapel with Rev. John and Cathy Henry, officiating.   Military graveside rites will follow in Moscow Cemetery, Moscow, Kansas at 4:30 Pm. 

Memorials may be given to the New Life Christian Center, Guymon Flying Tigers R/C Club, or Oklahoma Panhandle Partners, c/o Henson-Novak Funeral Directors, P.O. Box 1306, Guymon, OK  73942.  Friends may sign the online guest book and send condolences at www.hensonnovak.com.

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