Usaf Msgt. John Talmadge (Ret.) Gilbert

USAF MSgt. (ret.) John Talmadge Gilbert, age 89, of Fairborn Ohio, loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend went home to heaven on Thursday, March 8th, 2018 after a short illness.He was born August 14th, 1928 in Ashland Kentucky, the son of the late Emery and Edith (Watson) Gilbert. In addition to his parents he is preceded in death by a brother, Rudolph Gilbert and a sister, Geneva Gilbert. John married the love of his life, the late Brenda Joyce Music on December 22nd, 1951. They shared 60 wonderful years together raising five children.John led a life of service to his family; to his country, proudly serving 20 years in the United States Air Force; to his community, working 20 years for the Fairborn City Schools; and finally to others in need as the greeter for the Hearth Community Place Food Pantry. Lovingly known as the “Candyman”, he brought smiles and an uplifted heart to many each week. He is survived by his children, John and Kathy Gilbert of Monticello, Indiana, Mike and Lisa Gilbert of Monticello, Indiana, Tamara and Mike Duncan of Dayton, Ohio, Vana and Tim D’Aurora of Fairborn, Ohio, Tim and Carol Gilbert of Dayton, Ohio; 14 grandchildren, 25 great grandchildren.He also leaves behind his sisters-in-law, Billie Irene Kruchko of Cass City, Michigan; Judy Music of Auxier, Kentucky; his brother-in-law, James T. Craft of Casey, Illinois; as well as many nieces, nephews, and his very close friends from the “breakfast crew” who have meant so much to him. Funeral service will be held on Thursday, March 15th, 2018 at 6:00 p.m. in the Belton-Stroup Funeral Home, 422 E. Dayton-Yellow Springs Rd., Fairborn, Ohio, with Pastor Scott VanDyke officiating.  The family will receive friends from 4:00 p.m. until the time of service. Graveside service will be conducted on Friday, March 16th, 2018 at 2:00 p.m. in the Music Family Cemetery, Auxier, Kentucky, with Pastor Kyle Gulley officiating.In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions, if desired, may be made to The Hearth Community Place Food Pantry by mailing your donation to: The Hearth Community Place, 3415 Linden Ave., Dayton, OH 45410.  Condolences may be made to the family at www.BeltonStroup.com.