Jack Larell Gilbert

Jack Larell Gilbert, 85, of the Royal Slope passed away on Friday, April 10, at his home.

Jack was born Aug. 16, 1923, in Arcadia, Utah, a small farming community on the Ute Indian Reservation in Eastern Utah. He was the oldest son of Thomas Martindale and Cecilia Caroline (Olsen) Gilbert. He grew up on the Gilbert family farm and attended school in nearby Myton and Roosevelt. He graduated from Roosevelt High School in 1941. After graduating and attending college, he enlisted in the Merchant Marines and served on the USS Jason Lee in the Pacific during World War II.

Jack married his sweetheart, Arlene Merrell, on Nov. 27, 1945, in the Salt Lake City, L.D.S. temple. The newlyweds made their home in Logan, Utah, while they attended Utah State University. They then moved back to Arcadia, choosing farming as their occupation. All his life he was known as a hard worker who gave his all. Even at the age of 85 he helped his sons on the family farm by running a mint chopper, working right along with those much younger.

While in Arcadia, Jack and Arlene began their family. Their first child, Lamar, was born in 1947, followed by their only daughter, Wendy, born in 1949, and Rick in 1951. In 1953, Jack and Arlene moved with their three children to the Columbia Basin, living in Moses Lake for a couple of years. While there, Jack farmed and worked at the sugar beet factory. Although they loved this area, they were needed on the family farm in Arcadia, so they moved back. While there, David was born in 1956; then, capping their family off in style, Steven was born in 1958. After their family was complete, they lived briefly in southern Utah and Montana before they permanently settled on the Royal Slope in 1962. They loved the area, even though it required great effort and sacrifice breaking the virgin ground out of sagebrush. They also loved the other pioneers that settled in the Columbia Basin. Jack often commented on what a melting pot of good, honest, “salt of the earth” type people who settled here and became their neighbors.

Jack loved to sing and was known for his beautiful deep bass voice. He participated in many choirs and men’s singing groups.

Jack lived a life of service to his family, church, and community, including serving as a member of the Royal School Board. He was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and faithfully served in a variety of callings throughout his life. Jack and Arlene served two missions for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. They served their first mission in Sandpoint, Idaho, where they grew close to the people with whom they served. The second mission took them across the United States to the Harrisburg, Pennsylvania mission. While serving in Harrisburg they developed deep friendships with the Amish people as well as others whom they served with.

Jack is survived by his loving wife, Arlene, of over 63 years; their five children, Wendy Fielding (Lynn) of Kennewick, Wash.; Lamar (Pam); Rick (Joan); David (Debbie); Steven (Sue) all of Royal Slope, Wash.; 25 grandchildren and spouses, 35 great-grandchildren; two brothers Gayle and Rulon; one sister Mildred all of Twin Falls, Idaho. He was preceded in death by his father, mother, one brother, and four sisters.

Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, April 18, 2009, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints chapel in Royal Camp. Interment will follow in Royal Memorial Gardens, Royal City. The family will greet friends at the church on Friday, April 17, from 6:30 p.m. until 8 p.m. and Saturday, April 18, from 8:30 a.m. until 9:30 a.m.

Arrangements are in care of Kayser’s Chapel & Crematory, Moses Lake. You may sign the guest book or leave a note for the family at www.kayserschapel.com.