Ronald L. (Ron) Gilbert, passed away Monday, March 27, 2023, at St.Vincent Trauma ICU Center in Indianapolis, due to injuries he suffered from an automobile accident on March 12, 2023.  His family was by his side. He was 79 years old.

He was born on October 24^th, 1943, in Lafayette, Indiana to Robert and Jean (McDole) Gilbert.  He grew up on East Main Street, close to Columbian Park.  He spent much of his youth enjoying the park and being outdoors.  Ron also had many special memories of the times he spent at the family farm.  He was raised in the Methodist Church.

He graduated from Lafayette Jefferson High School in 1961 where he lettered in football and wrestling.  He attended Purdue University.  The Gilbert family owned the Ready Mix Concrete Co. at that time.  He decided to go into that trade.  He did his apprenticeship and worked for the union until he decided to be his own contractor.  He did work all over central Indiana.  He was known for his hard work and perfection of his trade.  He worked hard for 52 years and retired in 2017. After retiring, he drove for DeFouw Chevrolet. He loved cars and being on the road!

On January 9^th, 1966, at Congress Street United Methodist Church, he married his high school sweetheart, Carol Martin.  They have enjoyed 57 wonderful years together.  They have two children, Rhonda and Ryan.

He loved the outdoors and going on roads he had not traveled.  His wandering started at the young age of 10 when he rode his bicycle to Pine Village.  It continued in his corvette, on his motorcycle, or in his truck.  He just loved cars, driving, and exploring.  On his 65^th birthday, he got a new corvette.  He and his wife have special memories of their travels to Florida, N.J., Texas, South Dakota, Michigan, and all over Indiana in his corvette.

He spent his teen years at Lake Freeman.  He was an excellent barefoot skier and loved boats, canoes, and anything that had to do with water.  He enjoyed mowing his yard and building and fixing things. He loved working with his hands.  He enjoyed sprint car races.  Ron always wore a hat that matched his personality for the day.

He had such great pride in his grandchildren from the oldest to the youngest.  They all loved him so much and will deeply miss him.  Family was important to him and made him the happiest.

Surviving is his wife Carol, children Rhonda (Kevin) Pendleton of Lafayette and Ryan (Danielle) Gilbert of Zionsville, grandchildren Brad Pendleton, Indianapolis, Kyle Pendleton and Amanda Pendleton, Lafayette, Maryn Gilbert and Avery Gilbert, Zionsville.  His sisters, Roberta Reitz of Texas, Susan (Gary) Tishler of New Jersey, brother-in-law Michael Martin, and special nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his in-laws, Gordon and Ruby Martin.

Visitation will be from 10:00 am until the time of the service at 1:00 pm, Friday, April 7, 2023, at Soller-Baker Lafayette Chapel, 400 Twyckenham Blvd., with Pastor Kurt Freeman officiating. The interment will be at Tippecanoe Memory Gardens in West Lafayette, IN.  Memorial contributions may be made in Ron’s name to: Ascension St. Vincent Foundation, 250 W 96^th St., Suite 470, Indianapolis, IN. 46260 or online at HTTPS://give.stvincent.org/honor-memorial.  Please designate either to Ascension St. Vincent VAD Program or the Trauma ICU Center.