Funeral services were held on March 28 in Leesburg, Florida for Earl Lucian Gilbert who passed away on March 24. A graveside service will be held at the Prosper Cemetery at a later date this spring.

Earl was born at home in Pomfret on November 22, 1919.   He graduated from Woodstock High School and Bryant & Stratton College. He married Laura LaMountain in 1942. He served in the  U.S. Army as a medic during World War II.  They lived and raised their four children in Woostock. He enjoyed photography, taking many black and white pictures and developing them in his dark room. He was also a member of the Woodstock Li ons Club.  He moved to Iowa in 1965.

In 1973 he married Shirley Dooley in West Des Moines, Iowa.  Earl worked as an accountant, retiring after many years at Blue Cross, Blue Shield. While living in Iowa he was an avid gardener, raising many prize-winning dahlias. He also enjoyed woodworking in his shop, building many projects.  After Shirley died he moved back to Vermont.  In 1994 he married Barbara Chase DeCoff. They lived in North Pomfret and wintered in Leesburg, FL.  They enjoyed playing cards, walking on Mt. Tom together, going for rides, and watching the Red Socks, the New England Patriots and the Orlando Magic. They attended the North Pomfret Congregational Church and the Lake Eustis Christian Church.

Earl had a special interest in genealogy and spent a lot of time researching the family history.  Family was most important to him and he loved sharing time together, including his large extended family.

He is survived by his wife, Barbara Gilbert of North Pomfret, VT and Leesburg, FL; children, Carol Merrill (Michael) of Williamstown, VT, Anne Montgomery (Dave) of Montpelier, VT, Betty Powell (Arnold) of Woodstock, VT, Donald Gilbert (Tina) of Woodstock, VT; stepchildren, Micki (Dave) Peoples of Broadway, VA, Andy (Marie) Decoff of Bennington, VT, Sally (Ronnie) Weglarz of Pomfret, VT, Peter (Lee) Decoff of White River Junction, VT; 23 grandchildren and many great-grandchildren.

He was predeceased by his parents, Leon and Janet Gilbert; brother, Clarence Gilbert; great-grandson, Taylor Gilbert and step-daughter, Mary Jo Balch.

A notice will be posted when a date has been sent for the burial service.

Local Arrangements are under the direction of the Cabot Funeral Home in Woodstock, Vermont. Condolences may be offered by visiting cabotfh.com