George M. Gilbert, 68, of Kirklin, died October 31, 2023 in his home.  He was born on July 13, 1955 in Rensselaer, Indiana to Joseph Edward and Margaret Peggy (Powers) Gilbert.  He married Judy Elaine Taylor on May 21, 1977 and she survives.

George was a 1973 graduate of Rensselaer Central High School.  He attended St. Joseph’s College and earned his Bachelor of Science degree Manchester College.  He then earned his Master’s degree in 1982 from IU Fort Wayne.  George taught U.S. History, Health, Sociology, Psychology, World History, P.E., and Weight Training.  His coaching career included assistant football coach Wayne Trace High School, Haviland, Ohio 1978-1980, then head coach 1980-1985; head coach Pioneer High School 1986-1988, Clinton Central High School 1988-2008, and Tri-Central High School 2009-2018, where they won the state championship in 2013.  He was rehired at Clinton Central High School in 2020.  His career included 39 years as head football coach, 2 years as an assistant, 25 years as wrestling coach and 22 years coaching track. He was a member of the ISCA Hall of Fame Class of 2018, softball umpire for 37 years, public speaker for 10 years, author of “Team of One We Believe”.  He was a long-time member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church where he taught CCD Class.  He was a car buff and helped organize Thursday Thunder in Frankfort and other car shows, and a member of the Street Rod Association.  The family would like to thank Dr. Loehrer, Diana the oncologist nurse, the oncologist receptionist and Daisy, the hospice nurse that worked with George and the family.  Their knowledge, skill and most of all their compassion was greatly appreciated.

Visitation and Services

The Rosary will be said at 3 p.m. Thursday, November 9, 2023 with visitation following from 4-8 p.m. at Goodwin Funeral Home, 200 S. Main Street, Frankfort, Indiana. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. on Friday, November 10, 2023 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 600 St. Mary’s Avenue, Frankfort. Father Paul Cochran and Pastor Shan Sheridan will officiate. Burial will follow in Rossville Cemetery, Rossville, Indiana.

Survived by:

his wife: Judy, children: Michael Joseph (Amber) Gilbert of Monticello, Matthew John Gilbert of Greencastle, and Dr. Elaine Gilbert (Husband: Keith Hopkins) of Greenfield, sisters-in-law: Diana Gilbert of Missouri and Cathy Gilbert of Rensselaer, grandchildren: Preston Pritts, Sophia Smith, and Lincoln Gilbert.

Preceded by:

his parents and his brothers: Joseph and Gery Gilbert.