Charles "Mike" A. Gilbert, 87, of Smithton, Illinois, born September 24, 1938 in Waynesburg, Pennsylvania, passed away on Wednesday, April 8, 2026 at La Bella of Freeburg Care Center.

Mike was retired from CenterPoint Energy and was an U.S. Air Force veteran. He was and avid reader and always kept an accurate and detailed journal. Mike enjoyed watching old Westerns.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Mary, nee Pitcock, Gilbert; two brothers, John "Sam" and Eddie Gilbert; and a sister, Clara Franks.

Surviving are his wife, Karen Gilbert, nee Martin; his two sons, Joshua (Karen) Koch of Belleville, Il and Michael "Sam" (Megan) Gilbert of Swansea, IL a sister-in-law, Sara Gilbert of Swansea, IL; and five grandchildren, Katherine Koch, Caroline Koch, Samantha Gilbert, Alec Gilbert, Alexa Gilbert. He was also a dear brother-in-law, uncle, cousin, and friend.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to La Bella of Freeburg (formerly Freeburg Care Center) or Hospice of Southern Illinois.

Family and friends may visit from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Monday, April 13, 2026 at Braun Family Funeral Home, Columbia, Illinois.  Funeral services will follow at 12:30 p.m. at the funeral home.  Burial will be in Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery, St. Louis, Missouri.