Calvin Clifford Gilbert died on January 4, 2014 after a short illness. During his illness he was cared for by the kind and talented nurses, doctors and staff in the intensive care unit of the Presbyterian Hospital of Denton.
Calvin was born to Clifford Copeland Gilbert and Delmar De Gilbert on October 30, 1926 in Carbon, Texas. He graduated from Carbon High School in 1944 and upon graduation, he joined the U.S. Navy. He began his basic training in San Diego, California and was first assigned to the U.S.S. General R.M. Blatchford where he remained for the duration of World War II. In 1949, he enlisted in a unit of the 3rd Brigade, 49th Armored Division of the Texas Army National Guard located at the Denton Armory. Shortly thereafter, Calvin was assigned as a full time administrator for the unit where he served until 1963. At that time, he transferred to Battery A, 4th Missile Battalion, 132nd Artillery as First Sergeant and that unit was located just north of Denton proper. Battery A was one of the four batteries in the Dallas/Fort Worth Air Defense program. Upon closure of the missile battery in 1968, Calvin was transferred to the 3rd Brigade Headquarters, 49th Armored Division in Dallas where he was promoted to his previous rank of Chief Warrant Officer. He remained with the 3rd Brigade until his retirement as a civil employee in 1979.
Upon retirement, Calvin was then asked to fill an active military duty position which he accepted at the State Headquarters Detachment, Camp Mabry in Austin, Texas. He served his state and nation in this position until his retirement from active duty in 1986. Chief Warrant Officer Calvin Gilbert was a valued advisor, confidant and friend to the officers and enlisted personnel with whom he served.
Calvin is survived by his wife of 64 years Vanice Gilbert; two daughters, Linda Stinchcomb and Nancy Hunter; granddaughters, Stephanie Howard and Amanda Harvick; grandson, James Howardand wife Joana; eight great grandchildren, Brady, Payton, Lilly, Ava, Robert, Jaron, Logan and Aiden. He is also survived by his brother John Kent Gilbert and his wife Phoebe of Mountain Home, Arkansas; nephew and best friend, James Cannon and his wife Melissa of Devine, Texas; sister-in-law Velda Lou Cannon of Capps Corner, Texas and numerous nieces and nephews.
A memorial service for Calvin Gilbert will be held at the Mulkey Mason Funeral Home in Denton on January 9th, 2014 at 2:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of one's choice. On line condolences may be left at www.mulkeymasondenton.com.