Gilbert Junior McGee's Obituary
Gilbert Junior “Fibber” McGee, age 88, of Chanute, KS, passed away Friday, April 7, 2017 in Chanute. Gilbert was born on April 23, 1928 in Conway Springs, KS the son of Gilbert Elmer and Effie Edna (Gooden) McGee. He married Wanda “Molly” Delores (Sharp) in Wichita, KS on May 12, 1947. She survives him of the home.
While attending school in Mulvane, KS he worked at a grocery store. All through high school, he worked at Archer Daniels Midland Company before graduating from Fredonia High School. After graduating, he went to work as a fireman on the Santa Fe Railroad and worked his way up to engineer. During his employment, he got the privilege of helping to bring the steam engine to town that still sits at Santa Fe Park. Gilbert was a hard worker and a perfectionist. Upon his retirement from the Santa Fe Railroad in 1990, he had earned the spot of #1 on the engineer’s board.
He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and great-great-grandfather. His love for his children led to him joining several organizations that help all children. He was a member of Chanute Shriners, Mirza Temple, York Rites, Masonic Lodge #103, Scottish Rites, Elks and was a charter member of the Meadowlark Sam RV Campers Club. In his spare time, Gilbert enjoyed watching birds and was an avid woodworker, even building the house he and Wanda live in. Gilbert also liked to hunt and got his once-in-a-lifetime deer in the form of a 23-point buck that scored 216 in the Boone and Crockett, an accomplishment he was very proud of! He was a member of Chanute First Baptist Church.
Gilbert is survived by:
Wife:
Wanda “Molly” McGee of the home
Children:
Vernon (Margaret) McGee of Chanute, KS
Lela McGee of Chanute, KS
Jennie (Ricky) Wead of Joplin, MO
17 Grandchildren
34 Great Grandchildren
4 Great-Great Grandchildren
Nieces and Nephews
Gilbert was preceded in death by his parents; son, Martin McGee; sisters, Edna Mae Trimble and Bonnie Ruth Barker; grandsons, Roy Dean Holden and Vernon Gilbert McGee, Jr.; and great-granddaughter, Taylor Mae Clemens.
A Visitation will be held on Wednesday, April 12, 2017 from 5-7 p.m. at Countryside Funeral Home – Gibson Chapel in Chanute, KS. A Funeral Service will be held on Thursday, April 13, 2017 at 1:30 p.m. at the Gibson Chapel with interment immediately following at Farmington Cemetery in Fredonia, KS. Online condolences may be left at: www.countrysidefh.com. Memorials have been suggested to the Shriners Hospital Dad Transportation Fund or Kansas Crippled Children and may be left with or mailed to the funeral home. Arrangements have been entrusted to: Countryside Funeral Home 16 N. Forest, Chanute, KS 66720.
What’s your fondest memory of Gilbert?
What’s a lesson you learned from Gilbert?
Share a story where Gilbert's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Gilbert you’ll never forget.
How did Gilbert make you smile?
