Welton B. Gilbert

Mr. Welton B. "Bo" Gilbert, age 85 years, of Jefferson City, Mo., passed away Monday, May 29, 2017, at Heisinger Bluffs. Bo was born September 12, 1931, in Marion, Louisiana, the son of Arvel and Nellie (Remore) Gilbert. He was married on December 24, 1951, in Jonesboro, La., to Bettye J. Prince, who preceded him in death on February 20, 2016. Bo was a 1949 graduate of Marion High School in Marion, La. and attended Louisiana Tech University before leaving college to enlist in the United States Armed Services. He served in the United States Air Force during the Korean War and was honorably discharged as a Staff Sergeant in 1954. Bo was employed with Metropolitan Life Insurance Company for over 60 years, which exposed him to many parts of the country as he moved through the ranks of the company. He began his career as an agent and worked his way to staff trainer, district manager, and regional manager prior to his retirement from full-time work. Even during his retirement, he continued acting as an independent agent until ill health forced him to slow down in 2015. Bo was an active member of the Jefferson City Rotary Club and the Jefferson City Optimist Club, and he enjoyed his involvement with the Jefferson Lodge No. 43, A.F. & A.M. and the Capital Shrine Club. He loved hunting and fishing with his favorite trips to Alaska for salmon, the Gulf of Mexico for redfish and speckled trout, and Argentina to dove hunt, and South Dakota to pheasant hunt. Bo and Bettye cherished time working in the yard with Bo providing the labor to bring Bettye's vision to fruition. Survivors include: three children, Shirley Gilbert Gassen of Cypress, Texas, Michael Gilbert (wife Rose) of Harahan, La., and Sean "Pat" Gilbert (significant other, Jan Conley) of Jefferson City, Mo.; one daughter-in-law, Theresa Hartman Gilbert (husband William Borgmeyer) of Jefferson City, Mo.; two sisters, Joanne Gilbert Taylor (husband Richard) of Ruston, La. and Gwendolyn Gilbert Rhodes (husband Huey) of Marion, La.; six grandchildren, Dr. Matthew Gassen (wife Megan), Jennifer Gassen Woodward (husband Scott), Nicholas Gilbert, Aaron Gilbert (wife Dana), Christopher Gilbert (wife Keri), and Kellie Gilbert (significant other, Keith Ragan); six great-grandchildren, Lauren, Lydia, and Leah Gassen, Carly and Rhett Woodward, and Lillie Jo Ragan. He was preceded in death by his parents; his loving wife of 64 years, Bettye; one son, Claiborne Gilbert; and one sister, Jeannie Gilbert Clements. Visitation will be at Freeman Mortuary from 2:00 until 3:00 p.m. Thursday, June 1, 2017, with a Masonic Service to be conducted at 1:30 p.m. in the Freeman Chapel under the auspices of the Jefferson Lodge No. 43, A.F. & A.M. Funeral services will be conducted at 3:00 p.m. Thursday, June 1, 2017, in the Freeman Chapel with the Reverend Dr. Doyle Sager officiating. Graveside services and interment with military honors will be held at Riverview Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to the American Cancer Society. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Freeman Mortuary. www.freemanmortuary.com