David Harlan Gilbert, 72, of Wellington, Ohio, passed away January 3, 2024 at home surrounded by his family. Born on December 6, 1951 in Portsmouth, he was the son of the late Herbert J. and Lucile S. (nee Chinn) Gilbert. David moved to Elyria, where he grew up and as an adult made Wellington his home.

David was a truck driver, driving both long distance and local hauls. He was both an owner operator and also drove for Conway Freight. David was proud to have not only visited all lower 48 states, Canada and Mexico, but to have enjoyed his time in all of them as well. As his family will tell anyone he was the best at driving his truck especially backing up, and he competed in truck driving rodeos, setting speed records.  He enjoyed spending time with his family, imparting his knowledge and life lessons to those he loved. David was very mechanically inclined and could fix about anything, he was proud of his British tractor and always wanted to travel to London to look for parts at salvage yards.

Many of David's fondest memories were made during the 24 years he and his wife owned and operated a 57 acre farm which included many varieties of animals from chickens his wife favored, and a cow who he enjoyed sharing a beer with, named Moo. While at the farm he enjoyed many adventures with family and friends around bonfires, four-wheeler rides and many shenanigans.

Survivors include his loving wife of 35 years, Joyce (nee Figula); daughter and best friend, Emily (Josh) Gabor; grandson, Joshy; siblings, Jim Gilbert and Marsha (Herman) Diaz; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. David was preceded in death by his sister-in-law, Marion Gilbert and his mother-in-law, JoAnn Figula.

Friends and family will be received on Friday, January 12, 2024 from noon until the time of a memorial service beginning at 2 p.m. at Norton-Eastman Funeral Home, 370 South Main Street, Wellington. Donations in memory of David can be sent to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, JDRF, PO Box 5021, Hagerstown, MD 21741-5021. Expressions of sympathy may be expressed online at www.norton-eastmanfuneralhome.com