Al Gilbert, 84, of Warsaw, Missouri, passed away at home, on June 20, 2026. Born on

July 31, 1941, in Los Angeles, California, to the late Billy and Mary Gilbert, Al lived a life

defined by hard work, honor, and a quiet devotion to those he loved.

Al grew up in the Los Angeles area and graduated from Morningside High School in

Inglewood, California, in 1959, embarking on a career in skilled trades that would earn

him tremendous respect. He began as an apprentice at Parker Hannifin under the

mentorship of his Uncle Altwin "Hawkeye" Hawksford, then continued his apprenticeship

at Alloy Die Casting under another uncle, Charles Hawksford. The craft and discipline he

learned carried him through a distinguished career in the trade, where he held many titles

and worked his way into some of the top positions in the field. Alloy was also where he met

his other half, and trained and mentored his son-in-law. When the time came, Al chose

retirement on his own terms, and he and his beloved wife Edna traded the bustle of Orange

County, California, for the peaceful shores of Lake of the Ozarks in Warsaw, Missouri.

It had been Edna's dream, and it became Al's dream as well.

Al had been a dedicated motorhead in his early days which began with slot car building and

racing and became an RC hobbyist. He raced midgets on the Southern California circuit in

late 1960’s and in the early 1970s, he took up motorcycle enduro racing for a short while. He

remained a lifelong and avid NASCAR fan. In his years at the lake, he found deep

contentment in boating with Edna and their best friends Bub and Judy, family and neighbors

alike; enjoying the water and the company.

Al and Edna were members of the First United Methodist Church of Warsaw, where

they enjoyed their time in Bible classes and the fellowship of dear friends. Al's faith was a

quiet and enduring part of who he was, and it sustained him through his later years.

Al is survived by his loving wife, Edna Gilbert; his daughters, Stacey Espinoza and Wendi

Gilbert; his son-in-law, Rafael Espinoza; his grandchildren, Enrique Espinoza and Olivia

Espinoza; his brother, Brent Gilbert; and many cherished nieces, nephews, great nieces

and nephews, and his latest canine companion Missy. He was preceded in death by his

parents, Billy and Mary Gilbert, and his sister, Bonnie Rivera.

A Celebration of Life service will be held on Saturday, July 11, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at the

First United Methodist Church of Warsaw.

We will hold him in our hearts until we see him in heaven.

Cremation arrangements entrusted to Warsaw Funeral and Cremation.