Donald “Don” Ray Gilbert, 92, of Houston, Texas, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, on August 24, 2026, from complications of congestive heart failure.

Don was born on June 26, 1934, in Ina, Jefferson County, Illinois, to James Coleman Gilbert and Violet Rose (Holloway) Gilbert. He attended several schools in Ogle County, Illinois, including rural schoolhouses and those in Rochelle, graduating from Rochelle Township High School in 1954. On February 1, 1958, he married the love of his life, Joyce Lucille Stein, at the First Presbyterian Church of Rochelle, a marriage lasting nearly seven decades.

The couple made their home in and around Rochelle for nearly 60 years, and Don became a dedicated businessman and craftsman. In 1958, he co-founded Oleson & Gilbert Construction with Howard "Ole" Oleson. In 1972, he founded D.R. Gilbert & Sons Construction, which he operated until retirement in 1988. Don also served the local community as President of the District 231 Board of Education, as a Deacon and Elder at the First Presbyterian Church of Rochelle and as a Board Director for several local companies. In retirement, Don and Joyce relocated to Texas, eventually settling in Kingwood, where they made their home until ultimately moving to Houston in 2026. Don’s work ethic and commitment to excellence were hallmarks of his life well-lived.

Don is survived by his wife, Joyce; three children, Mark John Gilbert (Karen Simmonds) of Scottsdale, Arizona, Thomas James Gilbert (Mary Ravnaas) of Houston, and Elizabeth Ann Gilbert Bedia (Enrique Bedia) of West Des Moines, Iowa; and five adult grandchildren: Emily Gilbert (Shane Kilduff) of Seattle, Natalie Gilbert and Elizabeth Gilbert of Houston, Jacob Bedia of St. Louis, and Grace Bedia of Palo Alto, California. Predeceasing Don were his parents and two sisters Helen Gilbert Lee and Connie Gilbert Richmond.

Don will be remembered above all for his love of family and friends — the many years of partnership he shared with Joyce and the time he dedicated to raising his children and grandchildren — as well as for the businesses he built. His legacy lives on through his children, grandchildren, and all who knew him.

A memorial service is planned for September 23, 2026, beginning at 10 a.m. at the First Presbyterian Church of Rochelle.

The family asks that in lieu of flowers, please consider a gift in Don's memory to either:

· First Presbyterian Church of Rochelle - 1100 Calvin Rd Rochelle, IL 61068

· First Presbyterian Church of Kingwood - 5520 Kingwood Drive Kingwood, TX 77345