Cover photo for Dr. Raymond M. Gilbert's Obituary
Dr. Raymond M. Gilbert Profile Photo
1922 Dr. raymond 2016

Dr. Raymond M. Gilbert

July 20, 1922 — June 26, 2016

Services for Dr. Raymond McCuin Gilbert, 93, who passed away peacefully in Natchitoches, LA on June 26, 2016, will be held on Friday, July 1, 2016 at the First Presbyterian Church of Natchitoches. Visitation will be held at First Presbyterian Church from 1:00 – 3:00 p.m., with funeral services celebrating his life to follow at 3:00 p.m. Born to the late James Rankin and Ursula (Zula) McCuin Gilbert on July 20, 1922, Raymond grew up in El Dorado, AR, and graduated from El Dorado High School. Following service in the U. S. Army, Raymond studied at the American Conservatory of Music in Chicago, IL, where he received both his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees. Raymond met and married his late wife, Ida Mae “Penny” Sampson, and returned to El Dorado where he taught private piano and voice lessons, and became choral director of El Dorado Junior High School and later at El Dorado High School. His choirs received many honors. He cherished his church life in El Dorado, serving at both First Presbyterian as Interim Director of Education and First Christian Church where he was Director of Music. Raymond was an accomplished baritone soloist and shared his musical gift with the church and the community and sang at countless weddings. Moving to Natchitoches, Raymond pursued his Doctorate in Education at Northwestern State University. He taught graduate courses at the University, where he was sought after as a professor because of his dedication and commitment to his students. In 1985, he married Peggy Anderson Roy and they enjoyed traveling the world, sharing their lives together for 31 delightful years. Peggy and Raymond were devoted to one another. He loved and served the Natchitoches Lions Club for over 40 years and was so proud of his 25 years of perfect attendance. During these years he served as president in 1983, received the outstanding Lion award, the Melvin Jones Fellowship Award and many other honors. He was well known in Natchitoches as “the rose man” and “the fruitcake salesman”, two fund raising projects for the organization. In 2011, The City of Natchitoches named Raymond a “Natchitoches Treasure” for his many years of service to his community. He was active in many education organizations including Louisiana Association of Teacher Educators , serving in numerous capacities, including a term as President. He was a member of Phi Delta Kappa and served in numerous capacities as well as president. Other memberships include a Life Membership in Phi Mu Alpha Music Fraternity and Pi Kappa Alpha. He was especially faithful to his church and served in many capacities throughout the years. One of his greatest pleasures was singing at the at the Natchitoches Nursing home on Wednesdays with a faithful group of dedicated Christians. At the age of 87, Raymond received the French Legion of Honor Medal, France’s highest honor, for his service in the 87th Army Infantry Division. He fought in four battles in France, including the Battle of the Bulge. Raymond was also preceded in death by daughter Deborah Ann Gilbert, brothers James Harold Gilbert (Ann), and William Roy Gilbert. Remaining to cherish his memory are his wife, Peggy, his daughter Diane Gilbert Lawhon (Tom), Catherine Roy Donahue, Rebecca Roy Slatten (Scott), Joseph M. Roy. Sisters-in-law Barbara Gilbert, Jan Doyle, and Patricia McLaren. His beloved grandchildren include Dr. Reet Thomas Lawhon IV (Christina), Carol Ann Lawhon Soltz (Brett), Anna Barbara Tom (Nick), Emily Donahue Steen (Jeffrey), Sean Donahue, Shannon Donahue, Elizabeth Schoen, Beau Schoen (Lauren), Mary Claire Schoen, Ethan Roy, Austin Roy, and Brittany Roy. Great grandchildren who knew him as “Big Granddad” include Grant, Parker, Alanna, Anabelle, and Hadley Mae. Nephews Steven (Liz) and Tim Gilbert and numerous cousins. Pallbearers include Sean Donahue, Beau Schoen, Parker Rist, Barry Doyle, Ethan and Austin Roy, and Ed Evans. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Lions’Club Crippled Children’s Camp, First Presbyterian Church of Natchitoches, or to the charity of the donor’s choice.
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Service Schedule

Past Services

Funeral Service

Friday, July 1, 2016

Starts at 3:00 pm (Central time)

First Presbyterian Church of Natchitoches

114 Bienville St, Natchitoches, LA 71457

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