Joseph “Joe” Harold Gilbert

Joseph “Joe” Harold Gilbert, 75, of Quincy went to be with his lord on Tuesday April 11, 2023 following a brief battle with cancer.

He was a graduate of Lewis Co. High and Morehead State University with a Masters in Education.  His love for teaching encompassed over 30 years at Central Elementary and Lewis County Middle School.  Mr. Gilbert was integral in starting the county’s Science Fair program, with numerous students earning top awards over the years.  He also helped coach academic teams, developed products and teaching aids that were sold nationwide, and often had former students stop by long after graduation to say hi or tinker with projects.

Joe was the son of late Harold Gilbert and Clara Lee Dunaway Gilbert and was preceded in death by his sisters Crystal Dawn Gilbert and Billie Carole “Cookie” Stone.

He is survived by his loving wife of 54 years and eternal sweetheart, Rosemary Waters Gilbert; two daughters he loved dearly, Jodi (Dennis) Cauch of Georgetown KY and Sheri (Christoph) Uhlenbruch of Lexington KY; his grandchildren, whom he adored, Blake Adkins, Alexandra Adkins, Aaron “AJ” Cauch, and Jacen Cauch; his sister Dorothy “Dottie” Pearl Logan of Quincy, and brothers Douglas "Doug" Gilbert Sr. of Quincy, Richard “Dick” (Beth) Gilbert of Pearisburg VA, and Theodore “Ted” (Treva) Gilbert of Vanceburg; and several nieces and nephews.

Joe lived a full life filled with love, humor, creativity and faith. He loved fishing and spent many summers casting a line and telling stories. He is also well known for “fossil hunting” and would often be seen digging through road cuts and creek beds across the county.  Joe made any number of scientific inventions over the years and even holds a patent for his oil shale “retort”.  An avid reader and researcher, he enjoyed genealogy and sharing his finds with friends and family.  Joe had a green thumb, tending to plants and flowers at his home, including impressive blueberries that were popular with his family and the local birds.  He embraced woodworking in his retirement, gifting his creations to family, friends and church members.  Joe and his wife attended Garrison First Baptist Church.

Joe will be greatly missed and leaves behind a legacy of kindness, nurturing, and inspiration.

In addition to a private family service, his life will be honored in a Celebration of Life on June 3, 2023 at The Carter House, 12 W. Second Street, Vanceburg KY from 1:00-5:00 pm. 

An award fund for deserving Lewis County  students in the field of science is being arranged in his memory; donations may be made in lieu of flowers.