Joseph Henry Gilbert, Jr., 84, departed this life, Sunday, Aug. 3, 2008, at his home, in Camdenton, Mo.
The son of Joseph Henry and Irma Sophie Keese Gilbert, he was born July 16, 1924, in New Orleans, La.
On Nov. 22, 1969, in New Orleans, he was united in marriage to Geraldine Marlette “Gerry” Little.  Together they shared the past 38 years.
Joe was raised in New Orleans, La., and attended school there. He served his country proudly as a corpsman in the U.S. Navy assisting the Marines in the Pacific during World War II. After being honorably discharged, he returned to New Orleans. He and Gerry moved to Cedaredge, Colo., in 1972, and later to Carthage, Mo. in 1978.  They retired to the Lake of the Ozarks in 2004.
Joe made a profession of faith in Jesus Christ and was a member of New Life Church of the Nazarene in Camdenton.
His favorite pastime was fishing, and he spent many hours on the lake. He loved doing woodworking and made fine furniture. He enjoyed traveling and was a huge St. Louis Cardinals fan.
Joe was a loving husband, father and grandfather and was a caring neighbor and friend. Joe’s life impacted many people and his memory will live on in our hearts forever.
Survivors include his loving wife, Gerry of the home; four children, Betty Jo Porter and husband Dave and Rose Anne Gilbert and husband Michael all of New Orleans, La.; Leo Manson and Cathy Cutler of Columbia, Mo. and Bill Manson and wife Robin of McKinney, Texas; 13 grandchildren, David Porter, Danny Porter, Christopher Scott Gilbert and wife Kathy, Brandy Wamala and husband Andrew, Joseph M. Gilbert, Nicholas Gilbert, Aaron Gilbert, Morgan Manson, Madison Manson, L. Hank Manson IV, Mackenzie Manson, Lauren Manson and W. Tanner Manson; six great-grandchildren and many other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Evelyn Segal and a son, Joseph Henry Gilbert, III.
A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 23, 2008, at New Life Church of the Nazarene under the direction of Allee-Holman-Howe Funeral Home. Immediately following the service, military honors will be conferred outside the church at the cross that Joe constructed. A private inurnment was held at Missouri Veterans Cemetery in Springfield, Mo.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Osage Beach Branch of Community Hospices of America, Lake Regional Hospital or the American Cancer Society and left at the funeral home or at the church the day of the service.
Online condolences may be made at www.alleeholmanhowe.com.
Arrangements are under the direction of Allee-Holman-Howe Funeral Home of Camdenton.