Donald Earl Gilbert, 59, of Red Rock, Texas, passed away Tuesday, March 15, 2011, at his home. There will be a private ceremony in Austin, Texas. Lemke Funeral Home assisted the family with arrangements.
Donald was born April 9, 1951, in Clinton, Iowa, to Earl R. and V. Margaret (Schawl) Gilbert. He graduated from Clinton High School in 1969. Donald served in the U.S. Navy on the USS Kittyhawk in Vietnam. He then graduated from Hamilton Technical College. Donald married Julie Rankin Wells on July 31, 1982, in Clinton, Iowa. He was an Engineering Technician.
Donald is survived by his wife, Julie; 2 stepdaughters, Crista Wells, Austin, TX; Barbie (Scott) Joplin, Cedar Park, TX; a step grandson,Wade Wells; two step granddaughters, Jett and Jewel Joplin; sister, Joyce (Larry) Neubauer, Clinton, IA; brothers, Gary (Linda) Gilbert, Fulton, IL; David (Jillian) Schawl, DeWitt, IA; 3 nieces, Jody (Eric) Graham, Megan (Chris) Gray, Kelsie Schawl; 2 nephews, Daniel Gilbert, Nicholas Larson; 3 great nieces, Carolyn and Cathryn Graham, Lindsie Gray; and a great nephew, Colton Gray.
Donald is preceded in death by his parents, a sister, Carol and a nephew, Jason. Online condolences can be viewed at www.lemkefuneral.com.

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