David Edward "Eddie" Gilbert, 85, of Steele, Missouri, passed away on Sunday, December 14, 2025, in Cape Girardeau, Missouri. He was born in Lima, Ohio, on October 8, 1940, the son of the late Everett and Vivian (Cotner) Gilbert.

Eddie was a devoted servant to his community, passed away surrounded by the legacy of a life well lived and deeply shared with others. He was a man whose hands, heart, and humor shaped not only his family but an entire community.

Eddie faithfully served for 60 years on the Steele Fire Department, with 35 years as Fire Chief, answering the call day and night with courage, leadership, and an unwavering commitment to protecting others. His service extended far beyond the firehouse. He was an active and dedicated member of his church, serving on numerous boards and committees, always willing to give his time, wisdom, and steady guidance wherever it was needed.

A true builder at heart, Eddie possessed the remarkable ability to create or fix just about anything. He founded Steele Tool and Die, a business built on hard work, skill, and integrity. His craftsmanship was evident not only in his work but in his personal life, most notably in the home he built for his daughter, a lasting symbol of his love and dedication to family.

Outside of work and service, he found joy in life's simple pleasures. He loved playing cards (Playing Eddie Wins), working puzzles, camping, fishing, and hunting-especially squirrel and deer-and spending treasured time at Alley Springs canoeing and soaking in the beauty of the outdoors. He even built his own boat, a testament to both his ingenuity and adventurous spirit. He delighted in roller skating with the kids, visiting Ohio-his home place-and proudly shared the unforgettable story of meeting Elvis.

Known for his incredible memory, Eddie rarely forgot a birthday, anniversary, or important date. He was also a natural jokester, quick with a smile or a laugh, and brought lighthearted joy into every room he entered.

Above all, Eddie will be remembered as a man who served others selflessly, loved deeply, and lived fully. His legacy is one of service, faith, craftsmanship, laughter, and love-one that will continue through the lives he touched and the family he cherished.

Eddie was preceded in death by his parents, his brother and sister-in-law Tommy and Clara Gilbert, 2 daughters Leslie Gilbert and Kimberly Gilbert Mathenia, 2 wives Bonnie (Johnson) Gilbert and Norma (Nichols) Gilbert, and a great-grandchild, Madalyn Jackson.

Those left behind to cherish his memory: His wife, Mary Gilbert, of the home

1 daughter: Teresa Jackson and her husband, Danny

7 Bonus daughters: Leticia Wagner and her friend William Burse, Loretta Dodd and her husband Tim, Sandy Titus and her husband Tom, Deena Mackenzie, Joyce Judy and her husband Dave, Ryllis Gambill and her husband Robert, Robin Crawford and her husband Marshal

1 Bonus son: Kelly Wagner and his wife, Tracie

4 Grandchildren: Josh Mathenia and his wife Abby, Derek Mathenia and his friend Jessica, Bonnie Nolen and her husband Ryan, and Brady Jackson and his wife Kate.

13 Bonus Grandchildren: Thomas, Mary, Jordan, Austin, Madeline, Miranda, Nick, Casey, Jessica, Trey, Anna, Stacey, and Meghan

8 Great Grandchildren: Lexi, Cade, Natalia, Rohen, Ellie, Braxton, Willow, and Harrison.

23 Bonus Great Grandchildren

1 sister-in-law, Jeanie McDaniel, and her husband, Randy

Many other nieces, nephews, family, and friends

Memorial services will be held on Thursday, December 18, 2025, at 12:00 pm at the First Baptist Church in Steele, with Pastor Chris Campbell officiating. A visitation was held the same day from 10:00 to 12:00 at the church. Honorary Pallbearers were Josh and Derek Mathenia, Brady Jackson, Danny Jackson, Jordan and Austin Wagner, Ryan Nolen, Nick Crawford and Casey Crawford, Trey Gambill, William Burse, John Spence, Gene Reams, Jerry Graham, Randy and Nogi McDaniel, Tommy Campbell, Steve Robinson, Jerry Welch, Charlie Jones, and Glen Whitener. Burial of the cremains will be at the Mt. Zion Cemetery in Steele.

John W. German Funeral Home of Steele, MO in charge of arrangements