Larry Morden Gilbert 82 years old, died peacefully in his sleep on March 14, 2024, in the home he so proudly called his own.

He was born physically challenged on February 3, 1942 to Ernst (Ernie) and Violet (Eddy) Gilbert in the old Hubbard Hospital in Bad Axe.

He spent the first few years of his life unable to walk, and mastered the art of 'scooting around' on his bottom.   After multiple operations and his mother's devoted  love, care and therapy, he learned to walk.

Larry spent his early childhood in Pinnebog, and moved to Detroit with his family when he was five.  He was bullied by boys who did not know or understand him, and subsequently left the public school system after the 6th grade.  He continued learning on his own.

His mother taught him to be as self-sufficient as he could be. He was responsible for the laundry and ironing while both parents worked, and mowed the lawn and cleaned up the kitchen after meals.

He loved music, and learned to play the trumpet in the 'big band' style of Guy Lombardo and Lawrence Welk. He read the newspaper every morning, and swam a half mile every evening to his mother's mile.  No small feat for a one warmed bandit.

He enjoyed the freedom of traveling by the city busses, and used them as a young adult to travel to and from his job at Kresge's in downtown Detroit.

He traveled with his parents to Florida in the winter.  After his mother retired they spent the winter in Hollywood Beach, Florida. He spent time with his father surf fishing, and was active in the church with his mother.  She sang in the choir, while he proudly and purposefully served as an usher, assisting people up and down the aisle.

His was preceded in death by both parents, Ernie and Violet Gilbert, his brother Donald, and sister Marlene DeLuca, and niece Amy DeLuca.  He is survived by his nieces and nephew Jolene, Diane and John (Karen) DeLuca and great nephew Ian DeLuca and many cousins.

He was loving child, and grew to be a kind observant loving man.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you act kindly towards each other.

The family wishes to thank the multitude of caregivers who assisted him in the later years of his life, and also Residential Hospice for their care.

Visitation will be held on Monday, March 18, 2024 from 2:00-6:00 PM at the MacAlpine Mac Chapel in Bad Axe, and also on Tuesday, March 19th from 10:00 AM until the time of service at 11:00 AM at the Mac Chapel. The funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM with Pastor Tim Callow officiating. Burial will follow at Colfax Township cemetery in Bad Axe.

Condolences may be shared with the family at www.macalpinefuneralhome.com