Richard Gilbert

Richard E. Gilbert, 69, of Kahoka, passed away on Thursday, February 18, 2021, at Moberly Regional Medical Center in Moberly.

He was born on February 2, 1952, at the St. Joseph Hospital in Keokuk, Iowa, the son of the late Otha Edward & Hazel Ione (McClain) Gilbert. Richard graduated from Clark County High School in 1971. Richard was drafted into the U.S. Army, serving from June 27th, 1972, to June 23rd, 1973, when he was honorably discharged. He was stationed in Fort McClellan, Alabama. After his service for his country Richard attended college at Hannibal-LaGrange, earning an Associate Degree in Instrumental & Vocal Music, and graduated in 1976. He then went to the School of the Ozarks, where he obtained his Bachelors of Arts in 1978, later in his life he attended a Bible School in South Bend, Indiana, to become a licensed minister, to which he used his studies to minister at the Revere Community Church in 1991 and 1992.

Richard married Teresa Lunt August 7th, 1993, and after ten years of marriage they became foster parents to which they fostered seventeen children the first year. In 2006 they adopted their first son, Daniel Edward. In 2007 they adopted their son Dustin Edward and daughter, Violet Ann Marie. Richard and Teresa later divorced.

Richard had an enormous amount of love for his three children and admired them greatly. He loved music and enjoyed playing the piano. Richard was a devoted Christian man, being a member of Crossview Church in Keokuk for many years, but after moving to Memphis for a short time he was attending the Pentecostal Church in Memphis. Richard taught music at Dora, Myrtle, Peace Valley, Wyaconda, & Revere, Missouri. He later subbed at Ft. Madison, Keokuk, Clark County and Holy Trinity for a total of twenty-two years in the teaching profession.

He is survived by his three children; Daniel Gilbert of Ballston Spa, NY, Dustin Gilbert of Keokuk and Violet Gilbert, also of Keokuk, one sister, Rose (Rusty) Smith of Kahoka, five nephews; Shawn (Roberta) McAfee, Monty (Alyce) McAfee, Jared (Jill) McAfee, Dan (Shelby) McAfee, all of Kahoka, Brian Johnson of Anchorage, AK, one niece, Aleta (Dennis) Thompson of Luray, and one brother-in-law Bob Johnson of Rockport, TX. He is preceded in death by his parents, and one sister, Joyce Johnson.

Military and Funeral services honoring the life of Richard were conducted at 2:00 pm on Sunday, February 21, 2021, at the Wilson & Triplett Funeral Home in Kahoka. A visitation was held from 1:00 pm until the time of services on Sunday. Interment followed in the Kahoka Cemetery. Shawn McAfee officiated the service. Military rites were accorded by the American Legion Herman Blum Post #192, VFW Post #4342, and Missouri Military Honors. Memorial contributions in memory of Richard Gilbert were suggested to the Kahoka Cemetery. Vocalists were Jared McAfee, Shawn McAfee, and Dan McAfee. Pianist was Kathy Wilson. You are invited to share your memories of Richard and leave a condolence at www.wilsontriplett.com