Kenneth Ray Gilbert, Willow Springs, Missouri passed away on May 10th, 2023, at Mercy Hospital in Springfield, Missouri.

Kenny was born January 29th, 1954, in Twin Falls, Idaho to Otis and Donis (Budd) Gilbert. They moved to Cedar Springs, Missouri in 1962.

Kenny enjoyed playing football in high school and worked at Sibley and Thatch grocery store. He graduated from El Dorado Springs in 1972. In June 1972, he married Sharen Mogan and later had 3 children, Kathy, Kevin and Krystal. He worked for Allison's tire and Mid America Dairy (known back then as the milk plant) where he acquired his "taste" for warm cottage cheese. He then managed Pizza Hut in El Dorado Springs before joining Knox Construction in 1978.

Kenny loved the life of a lineman. He loved traveling to new places and meeting new people. After 16 years on the road, he decided to take a position with Howell Oregon Electric Coop in West Plains, Missouri from which he later retired.

Kenny and Sharen divorced in the early 1990s and he met and married the love of his life, Melody Peissner. In this marriage he gained 6 more children that he loved as his own, Duane, Bryon, Stacy, Amy, Stephanie and Robert "Bobby."

Kenny loved the outdoors and hunting, camping, fishing and canoeing. After he retired, he would travel sometimes alone and sometimes with his brothers. He probably enjoyed most the annual get together at Montauk State Park every Memorial weekend. He was full of life and made everyone laugh. He had the biggest heart and loved his family and friends deeply.

Kenny was preceded in death by his parents, Otis and Donis Gilbert; his beloved wife, Melody; brothers, Ronald, Richard and Terry; his son, Kevin Gilbert; daughter, Stacy McLean; and son, Bryon Dotson.

He is survived by his brother, Curtis (Vicki) Gilbert of El Dorado Springs, Missouri; sister, Judy Gilbert of Cabool, Missouri; his favorite child (although fur), Molly; children, Kathy Gilbert, Krystal Landon, Amy McLean, Stephanie Gentry, Robert "Booby Bobby Baby" Holmes and Duane Mclean; 19 grandchildren; 2 great grandchildren; and many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and lifelong friends.

He will truly be missed by many.

A Celebration of life will be announced.