Gilbert, Willis Don

Willis Don Gilbert, 95, of Titusville, PA, passed away peacefully early Sunday morning September 17, 2023, at Southwoods Assisted Living. He was born December 22, 1927, in Huntington, WV, a son of the late Willis and Lucille Higgins Gilbert.

Don was a veteran of World War II, serving honorably in the Navy and was a life member of the American Legion.

Don graduated from V.P.I in Blacksburg, VA, with a degree in Civil Engineering courtesy of the G.I. Bill. He was a member of the Tau Beta Pi, High Honors Society.

Don worked 45 years as regional track supervisor of CSX, Chessie, B&O, and Norfolk and Western Railroad until his retirement. His maintenance knowledge was respected and sought after by the industry.

He was a quiet, honest, and hardworking man who enjoyed walking, reading, and working out-doors in his yard and garden. He especially loved his wife of 74 years, Billie Joyce Seltz.

Don was a member of the Draper Valley Presbyterian Church in Draper, VA.

He is survived by his wife Billie of Titusville; a daughter Nancy J. Clark and husband Doug of Titusville, his brother Dr. Gary Gilbert and wife Betty Ruth of Huntington, WV; grandchildren, Celeste Gilbert of Virginia, Chard Gilbert of Texas, Matthew Kingen of North Carolina, and Autumn Kingen Smith of Franklin, PA; and six great grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

Don was preceded in death by his son Elic Gilbert.

The family feels sincere gratitude to the staff and caregivers at Southwoods Assisted Living for their warm and excellent care of Don during his stay there. They would also like to recognize Kim Burns and Tammy Champion for their friendship and care of Don and Billie while providing personal care at home before the couple relocated to Southwoods.

A graveside service with full military honors will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, October 14, 2023, at the Draper’s Valley Presbyterian Church Cemetery in Draper.

Memorial contributions can be made to the Venango Co. Humane Society 286 S. Main St. Seneca, PA 16346.

The Gilbert family is in the care of Mullins Funeral Home & Crematory and Gordon B. Garrett Funeral Home Inc.