Ray Gilbert, age 88, of Portage passed away Tuesday, April 3, 2018 at Golden Living in Portage.  He was born September 16, 1929 in Black Water, Kentucky to the late Jimmy and Pearl (nee Hammons) Gilbert.  Ray proudly served his country in the United States Navy and was a retired Crane Operator who had worked for U.S. Steel.  He will be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Oletha Campbell-Gilbert; son Jim (Wanda) Gilbert of Valparaiso; two daughters, Debra Riegert of LaPorte and Brenda (Mark) Trafny of Knox; three step-sons, Dickie (Carol) Campbell of Steamboat, Colorado, Aaron (Paula) Campbell of Chesterton, and William (Chandra) Campbell of Joppa, Alabama; step-daughter, Shiela (Kevin) Wiesemann; ten grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren, many other loving family members and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Gene Gilbert.

In lieu of flowers donations to Open Bible Church, 1401 West Porter Ave. Chesterton, Indiana 46304 would be appreciated.

Funeral services for Ray will be held Saturday, April 7, 2018 at 10:00 am with Pastor Larry Starett officiating at Rees Funeral Home, Olson Chapel, 5341 Central Avenue, Portage, IN 46368.  Visitation will be held Friday, April 6, 2018 from 2:00-4:00 p.m. and 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Rees Funeral Home, Olson Chapel Online condolences may be submitted at www.reesfuneralhomes.com .