Arthur L. Gilbert

Arthur L. Gilbert, 87, North Manchester, Indiana passed away June 26, 2019 at Timbercrest Healthcare Center. He was born November 26, 1931 at Elkhart County, Indiana to Arthur & S. Marie (Noss) Gilbert.  On June 3, 1956 he married Ellen Stroup.

He graduated from Milford High School in 1949 and from Manchester College with a B.S. degree in 1953.  He earned his Master’s degree in Business Administration from Indiana University in 1954.  Art started his career as a professor of Business and Accounting at LaVerne College, LaVerne, CA from 1954-1957.  He spent one year at Indiana University teaching accounting associates before becoming a professor of accounting at Manchester College in 1958.  He never thought of himself as a professor of accounting but rather as a professional Certified Public Accountant helping prepare the next generation of accountants.  In 1971 accounting became a separate department at Manchester College.  He would later become the chair of the accounting department.  He retired in 1998 from Manchester College after 40 years.  In 1968 he co-founded with Ralph Naragon, Gilbert-Naragon & Co. CPA’s.  Serving on many committees and boards, Art was president, treasurer and board member of Fenton Art Glass Collectors of America, National Fenton Glass Society and Fenton Glass Collectors of Greater Kansas City.  He was a member of the Manchester Church of the Brethren and served as treasurer for 25 years.  He was a long time member of the North Manchester Chamber of Commerce serving as president in 1977, life member of Indiana CPA’s and a member of American Accounting Association.  He was a member of the board of directors of Timbercrest Senior Living Community at North Manchester, IN from 1968-2008 and served as treasurer of the finance committee. He served on the board of directors for the North Manchester Center for History and various committees at Manchester College.

Surviving is his wife Ellen Gilbert, North Manchester; a son, Jeff (Tonja Stern) Gilbert, Elkhart, IN; two daughters, Debbie Kay Gilbert, Frankfort, KY and Cathy (Jerry Brenneman) Gilbert, Fort Wayne, IN.  A daughter-in-law, Cindy Gilbert, Elkhart, IN and six grandchildren.  One son, Brad Gilbert died in 2014.

Services will be held July 13, 2019 at the Timbercrest Assembly Room, 2201 East Street, North Manchester, IN at 2:00 p.m. The family will greet friends on July 13, 2019 from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.  Pastor Karen Eberly, Pastor Kurt Borgmann, and Pastor Jerry Brenneman will officiate and burial will be held at a later date at Milford Cemetery. The Gilbert family has entrusted McKee Mortuary with handling final arrangements.

For those who wish to honor the memory of Arthur L. Gilbert, memorial contributions may be made to Manchester Symphony Society, P.O. Box 113, North Manchester, IN 46962 or the North Manchester Center for History, 122 East Main Street, North Manchester, IN 46962 or Timbercrest Charitable Assistance Fund, P.O. Box 501, North Manchester, IN 46962.

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