Cover photo for Merle LeRoy Gilbert's Obituary
Merle LeRoy Gilbert Profile Photo
1935 Merle 2025

Merle LeRoy Gilbert

November 26, 1935 — July 25, 2025

Flint Township

Gilbert, Merle LeRoy - Age 89, of Flint Township, died July 25, 2025. Funeral services will be held 11 AM Monday, August 4, 2025 at Sharp Funeral Home & Cremation Center, 6063 Fenton Rd., Grand Blanc. Bishop Keith McKinnies officiating. Interment will be at Sunset Hills Cemetery, Flint. Visitation will be held 2-6 PM Sunday, August 3, 2025; and from 10 AM Monday, August 4 until the time of the service at 11 AM at the funeral home. Those desiring may make contributions to The Humane Society of Genesee County.

Merle was born November 26, 1935 in Stanton, Michigan, the son of Cecil and Ivah (Riggs) Gilbert. He grew up on a farm in Stanton and loved showing it to his children. He was a 1954 graduate of Stanton High School. Merle married Norma Jean Rutherford on April 19, 1984 in Corunna, Michigan; she preceded him in death on February 23, 2011. He retired from General Motors in 1994 after 33 years of service. Merle enjoyed playing cards at various Senior Centers. He always looked forward to spending time with his siblings, and reminiscing on the past and looking forward to the future. He loved spending time with his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Merle was a kind soul, always there to listen, and slow to speak.

He is survived by his 5 children, Steve Gilbert, Donna (Tom) Bund, Karen Beamer, Faith (Chris) Thoroman, Tim Gilbert; grandchildren, David Beamer, Amber (Nick) Dekelaita, Christina (Ryan) Fulton; great-grandchildren, Charles, Griffin, William, Elinor, and Rory; siblings, Jean Schmuker, Jerry (Rita) Gilbert, Ronald Gilbert, and Donald Gilbert; many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Gordon Gilbert; brother-in-law Erwin "Erkie" Schmuker; sisters-in-law, Irene Gilbert and Alice Gilbert; son-in-law, Lawrence "Larry" Beamer.

Tributes may be shared on the obituaries page of www.sharpfuneralhomes.com.

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Merle LeRoy Gilbert, please visit our flower store.

Service Schedule

Upcoming Services

Visitation

Sunday, August 3, 2025

2:00 - 6:00 pm (Eastern time)

Add to Calendar

Sharp Funeral Home & Cremation Center

6063 Fenton Rd, Grand Blanc, MI 48507

Enter your phone number above to have directions sent via text. Standard text messaging rates apply.

Visitation

Monday, August 4, 2025

10:00 - 11:00 am (Eastern time)

Add to Calendar

Sharp Funeral Home & Cremation Center

6063 Fenton Rd, Grand Blanc, MI 48507

Enter your phone number above to have directions sent via text. Standard text messaging rates apply.

Funeral Service

Monday, August 4, 2025

Starts at 11:00 am (Eastern time)

Add to Calendar

Sharp Funeral Home & Cremation Center

6063 Fenton Rd, Grand Blanc, MI 48507

Enter your phone number above to have directions sent via text. Standard text messaging rates apply.

Guestbook

Visits: 300

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the
Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Service map data © OpenStreetMap contributors

Send Flowers

Send Flowers

Plant A Tree

Plant A Tree