Bernard Gilbert

Bernard David Gilbert, 77, passed away Thursday, November 1 in Somerset, KY.  Dave was born in St. Albans, WV to the late Robert C. and Jewell Burns Gilbert. Dave was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Somerset for many years.

Dave served his country for 6 years as a trooper with the West Virginia State Police and over 26 years as a special agent for the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms including service on the Midwest National Response Team.  He served from 1971 – 1980 in Somerset, KY with the remainder of his career based in Indianapolis, IN. He and Betty lived in Greenwood, IN until relocating back to Somerset, KY in 2003.  Dave retired from the ATF with several honors and awards including the Gallatin Award, the highest career service award.

Over the years he was assigned to numerous details.  In 1986 Dave spent 3 months in Los Angeles as part of the Olympic Security team, provided protection during detail assignments with the Secret Service for 5 Presidential elections, and was considered an expert in the field of explosives investigations.  During his final year with the ATF, he was assigned to the United States Marshall’s Failed Chance Task Force.   After retiring from the ATF Dave performed security for the US Marshalls Office in Indianapolis, IN.

Dave is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Betty Cagigas Gilbert, two daughters, Gina Wilson (Barry) of Somerset, KY and Susan Gilbert (Brian Henry) of Zionsville, IN; five grandchildren, John, Andrew, Renae, Boo, and Nevaeh Wilson of Somerset, KY; as well as two brothers, Jim (Penny) Gilbert of Fairfax, VA and Rick Gilbert of Hamlin, WV.  He was preceded in death by his brother Robert “Bob” Gilbert of St. Albans, WV.  Dave is additionally survived by many loving family members and lifelong friends.

Visitation will be from 11:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. with a funeral service immediately following on Saturday, November 3 at Lake Cumberland Funeral Home, Somerset KY with the Pastor Bill Haynes officiating.

Betty and her daughters would like to share a special thank you to family, friends and neighbors for their love and support.  They would also like to thank Hospice of Lake Cumberland for the care provided to Dave in his final weeks.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hope Lodge of Lexington, KY who provided support to Dave and Betty during his treatments. Donations can be made to American Cancer Society/Hope Lodge of Lexington, 1500 College Way, Lexington, KY 40502 or via www.cancer.org.

You are welcome to view the obituary and send condolences to the family at our website: www.LakeCumberlandFuneralService.com

Lake Cumberland Funeral Home is entrusted with the arrangements for Dave Gilbert.