Brian Lee Roy Gilbert, 62, passed away Thursday, November 23, 2023.

Brian was born December 7, 1960, in Des Moines, Iowa, the son of Ronald Eugene and Janet Darlene (Cummings) Gilbert. He graduated from Des Moines Tech High School in 1979. Following graduation, he worked for Des Moines Flying Service and several other aircraft maintenance shops as an Airframe and Powerplant Mechanic. He then enrolled at Grand Rapids School of Bible and Music (now Cornerstone University) where he graduated in 1984, earning his pilot licenses, majoring in Missionary Aviation. On October 13, 1984, Brian was united in marriage to Christine Lee Easley in Rock Island, IL. To this union, seven children were born: Brian Stephan, Caleb, Hannah, Esther, Ruth, Deborah, and Andrew. Brian worked as a crop duster pilot, aircraft mechanic and inspector until his health forced him to retire. Flying airplanes was his career and his hobby.

Brian attended First Baptist Church in Sledge, MS on Sunday morning and Crenshaw Baptist Church Bible Study on Sunday evenings. His faith was very important to him; he enjoyed Christian fellowship and Bible Study. Brian especially enjoyed traveling and was always up to going on an adventure. Brian's favorite pastime was to stop at small airports when traveling through the area and look around. He took his growing family to many air shows including Kansas City Air Races, Luscombe Fly-In and the Oshkosh Fly-In. He had a very big heart and was always available to help others when they needed it. Brian will be remembered as a very sociable person and enjoying time spent with his family and friends.

Brian is survived by his wife, Christine; his children: Stephan Gilbert, Caleb Gilbert, Hannah (Adam) Schaafsma, Esther Gilbert, Ruth (Xavier) Smith, Deborah Gilbert and Andrew Gilbert; his parents, Ron and Janet Gilbert; his grandchildren, Fenix, Janika, Maisie and Miriam Schaafsma, Ava Smith and Baby Smith on the way; his sisters, Debra (Jeff) Nichols and Susan (Don) Stine; his niece, Ashleigh Nichols; his nephew, Steven Nichols and several uncles, aunts and many cousins.

Brian was preceded in death by his maternal and paternal grandparents.

Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Friday, December 1, 2023, at Rasmusson-Ryan Funeral Home (422 First Street) in Maxwell. Family will greet friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Interment will follow at Peoria Cemetery near Maxwell. The service will be livestreamed and can be viewed by going to www.rasmussonfh.com, clicking on Brian's photo, then Tribute Wall.

Rasmusson-Ryan Funeral Home in Maxwell is handling arrangements. Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.rasmussonfh.com.