Wilbert G Church

Wilbert G. Church, age 88 of North Port, Florida, formerly of Gallia County, Ohio and Stark County, Ohio, passed away on April 19, 2018. He most recently resided in the home and was cared for by his step-granddaughter and her husband, Jaclyn and Richard Griffith. Wilbert was born in Bladen, Ohio on December 15, 1929 to Emmett W. and Gladys M. (Davis) Church. Wilbert graduated from Rio Grande High School in 1947 and earned his BS in Education from Rio Grande College in June 1958 and his Master’s Degree in 1960 from Ohio University. He worked as an elementary principal at Moulton Local School in Auglaize County, Ohio and Marlington Local School District in Stark County, Ohio. Wilbert served in the United States Army (1947 to 1948) and the United States Air Force (1949 to 1952). He was active in the Ohio Education Association, Ohio Retired Teachers Association, Gallia County Retired Teachers Association and was an elected representative to the Executive Board of the Ohio Department of Elementary School Principals. He served as president of the Alliance Area Principals Discussion Group, Stark County Association and held various offices in the Gallia County Retired Teachers Association. Wilbert directed the Migrant Program for 15 years with Marlington Local School District and held many positions in the United Methodist Church in Gallipolis, Ohio. After retirement, he became interested in restoring antiques, auctioneering, golf, and woodworking. In 2011, Wilbert and his wife Marie relocated to Southwest Florida to be near family members there. Wilbert is survived by his five children, Larry of Kissimmee, Florida, David (Maria) of Houston, Texas, Dawn Marie (Joey) Hall of Yelm, Washington, Edward (Alycia) of Clyde, New York, and Karl (Patty) of Fairbanks, Alaska; two sisters, Lillian R. Thomas of Rio Grande, Ohio and Alma L. (James) Harris of Gallipolis, OH; ten grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren. Wilbert is also survived by nine step children and their families; many nieces; nephews; and his first wife, Dolores Church, the mother of his five children. Wilbert was preceded in death by his third wife, Marie (Porter) Church, to whom he was married from 1994 until her death on April 19, 2017. He was also preceded in death by his second wife, Barbara (Cowley) Church, who passed away in 1991. Wilbert was loved by many, as he was a gentle and caring man. Those who knew him are better because of it. He will be sadly missed by his family and numerous friends. A memorial service will be held July 2nd, with details to follow. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a contribution in Wilbert’s name to the Korean War Veterans Memorial, www.koreanwarvetsmemorial.org. Willis Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements