Gary Warren Gilbert, 83, of Mecosta, passed away on Monday, April 13, 2026. He was born on October 18, 1942, in Big Rapids, Michigan, the son of C. Norris and Alice (Whalen) Gilbert.

Gary graduated from Big Rapids High School in 1960. He went on to attend Ferris State College, earning his Bachelor of Science in Mathematics. He later graduated summa cum laude from the Wisconsin Institute of Mortuary Science, where he received the prestigious Mu Sigma Alpha Award from the National Association of Colleges of Mortuary Science in recognition of outstanding academic achievement.

On August 8, 1964, Gary was united in marriage to L. Ann Gilbert. Together, they shared 61 years of marriage and raised their daughter, Allison Marie. Early in their marriage, the family managed Forest Hills Mobile Lodge trailer park before moving to Barryton, where Gary worked alongside his in-laws, George and Fawn Daggett, during the building of Daggett-Gilbert Funeral Home in Big Rapids.

He later moved his family to Canadian Lakes, where he owned and operated the Whistle Stop Restaurant for seven years. He established a mortgage brokerage firm, the Financial Group of Michigan and established a non-profit corporation providing leadership seminars for public officials and community leaders. Gary then began a long and impactful 25 year career with Mid Michigan Community Action Agency, serving first as Financial Officer and later as Executive Director.

During his tenure at MMCAA, Gary oversaw programs serving Mecosta, Osceola, Clare, Gladwin, Midland and Bay Counties, helping thousands of individuals and families each year through initiatives such as Head Start, utility assistance, financial management education and a weatherization program. His leadership led to the development of key facilities, including an Administrative Office and Head Start classrooms in Farwell, named the Gary W. Gilbert, Administrative Complex and spearheaded the Clare Castle Senior Apartments in Clare, as well as the Agency’s food distribution complex near the Administrative office.

Gary was deeply committed to helping others and worked closely with fellow Community Action Agency directors across Michigan, helping shape legislation that benefited communities statewide. His dedication earned him numerous local, State and national awards.

Gary was a member of the Big Rapids Eagles, the Morton Township Fire Department, the Mecosta County Fire Investigation Board, Michigan Works, Morton Township Planning Board, President of the West Central Michigan Community Growth Alliance, Mecosta Village Trustee, and President of the Mecosta County Area Chamber of Commerce. He was also a recipient of the Mecosta County Liberty Bell Award from the Mecosta-Osceola Bar Association. He loved golfing and took great pride in his two Club Champion awards, one in 1998 and the other in 2025, the only times he ever golfed in the tournament.

He had a deep love for life, family, and friends and there was a special place in his heart for his grandsons. He enjoyed Friday night Eagles dinners, morning coffee with friends at Conley’s Bakery, time on the golf course and gatherings with lifelong friends and family. He was always willing to lend a hand; frequently volunteering to help neighbors and friends with any projects they had.

He and Ann spent over 40 years traveling to Aruba and enjoyed many winters in Florida. He loved hosting gatherings at the cottage, where good food and laughter always outweighed anything else, especially when his niece and nephew, Kirsten and Tom Harper were present.

Gary believed in surrounding himself with positivity. When asked the secret to a successful marriage, he would say it was staying away from negativity and focusing on joy, laughter, and strong friendships — values that defined his life.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Ann of Mecosta; daughter, Allison Marie (Kim) Sanders of Traverse City; grandsons, Austin Miles (Leanne) Sanders of Waterford and Evan Gilbert Sanders of Traverse City; brother, Gordon (Pam) Gilbert of Big Rapids; sister-in-law, Christine Daggett (Steve Swix); along with many nieces, nephews, cousins, and countless dear friends. He was predeceased by his parents Alice and Norris Gilbert and his sister Gina Gilbert.

Gary will be remembered as a man of compassion, generosity, and unwavering love for his family and community. His life is best summarized by the words: “A life that touched others, lives forever” which is engraved on his marker. Gary Gilbert was one of a kind and we lost a great man when we lost him.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, April 20, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Daggett-Gilbert Funeral Homes in Big Rapids. Visitation will take place on Sunday, April 19, 2026, from 1:00–3:00 p.m. and 5:00–7:00 p.m. at the funeral home. A luncheon will follow services, with graveside services afterward. He will be laid to rest at Mt. Hope Cemetery in Mecosta.

Memorial contributions may be made according to the wishes of the family, the Morton Township Library, 110 S James Street, Mecosta, MI 49332 or a charity of the Donors choice.

To leave a memory or share a condolence, please visit www.daggettfuneral.com