Clarence L. Gilbert was born on December 20, 1944, to the late Neoplis Gilbert and Mary Eliza Ware Gilbert. He departed this life on May 12, 2026, at Deaconess Midtown Hospital. Clarence attended Riverview High School and later served in the United States Army.
Upon his conclusion in the military, he entered the workforce. He retired as a semi-truck driver for ABF in Paducah, Kentucky. He was also a member of Boaz Lodge #43 in Hickman Ky.
Clarence was of the Baptist faith and accepted Jesus Christ as his personal Savior at an early age.
Clarence was a kind man who loved his family. He was a husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin, and loyal friend. He enjoyed spending his days watching automobile races, specifically drag raceing; He also loved classic television, especially the old western show Gunsmoke, which brought him comfort and familiar memories over the years. Last, but not least, he enjoyed going to the casino in his spare time.
Left to cherish his memories are his wife, Ozella Wilson Gilbert; 13 children, Angela Wilson, Tonda (Lawrence) Emerson, Bryant (Tanisha) Wilson, Clarissia (Donald Sr.) McGee, Clarence Gaston, Terry Scates, Denise Gaston, Regina (Jeffery) Lowery, Rewell Dickerson, Cynshon (Vernon) Adams, Nina Wilson, Marc Wilson, Morris Wilson; 37 grandchildren, 74 great-grandchildren; his siblings, Carl (Janice) Gilbert, Joseph Gilbert, Sadie Caldwell, Jackie (Elizabeth) Gilbert, Charlotte Udley, Corey Smith, and Lisa Smith; and several nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws, and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; Neoplis Gilbert and Mary Eliza Ware Gilbert; one son, Sherman Gaston; one daughter, Maressa Johnson; three sisters, Georgia Gilbert, Lauretta Sanders, Mary Frances Crisp; and two brothers, A.D. Gilbert and Leon Cobb.
Funeral arrangements have been scheduled for Wednesday, May 20, 2026, 12:00 Noon, at Lake Chapel Missionary Baptist Church in Hickman, KY. Reverend Johnny Jones will officiate.
Friends may call on the family at the church on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. until the funeral hour.
Burial will follow in Hickman City Cemetery.
