Harry Dean Gilbert's Obituary
Harry Dean “Dino” Gilbert, 81, of Decatur, IL passed away on Thursday, December 25, 2025, at Decatur Memorial Hospital.
A celebration of God's Gift of Eternal Life for Harry Dean Gilbert will be at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, January 2, 2026, at Graceland Fairlawn Funeral Home. with a visitation one hour prior. Memorials may be made to Mound Chapel Church of God.
Dean was born in Maroa, Illinois, on March 15, 1944, the son of Russel and Donna (Francisco) Gilbert. He was the youngest of nine children. Dean graduated from Decatur MacArthur High School.
Dean was a member of Mound Chapel Church of God, where he served as Trustee for many years. He loved God and his church family dearly. He worked at Borg Warner for 13 years until they closed and then retired from Borden Chemical after 20 years of service as a poly-operator. He served in the National Guard from 1963 to 1969. He was a past member of Kaskaskia Valley Bass Club where he was on the eight-man team from IL in competition. He was an avid fisherman and loved sports, especially the Cardinals, Dallas Cowboys and Fighting Illini. He also earned his gold wings for 1,000 jumps in parachuting. He could always be seen at the grandchildren’s sporting events with a camera, being their biggest fan!
Dino is survived by his best friend, loving and devoted wife, Susie (Sexton), of 56 years; son Shannon Dean Gilbert and wife Lori (Gerhardt) of Forsyth; daughters Kristi Venters and husband Lee, and Robin Kleist and husband Jim, of Decatur, IL; special grandchildren Zachary (Amanda), Joshua (Alicia), and Benjamin (Hallie) Gilbert of Forsyth, IL; and Macie and Mylee Venters and Makenzie (Jared) and Kaylee Kleist of Decatur, IL; great-grandchildren Bentley and Michael Gibert; brother Harold “Hap” and wife (Donna) of Forsyth; and many nieces, nephews, and friends.
Harry was preceded in death by his father, Russell Gilbert; mother Donna Gilbert; and siblings Robert, Russell, Betty, Mary, Eva, Cora, and Frances.
Condolences may be shared with the family at https://www.gracelandfairlawn.com.
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