Kenneth C. Gilbert, 84

REHOBOTH BEACH - Kenneth C. Gilbert of Rehoboth Beach died Thursday, May 31, 2007, at Lewes Convalescent Center. He was 84.

Mr. Gilbert was born in Park Ridge, N.J.

He received a bachelor"s of science degree from Rutgers University, New Brunswick, N.J.

During World War II, Mr. Gilbert served in the U.S. Army Air Corps in the China-Burma-India theatre.

Following his military service, he was employed doing research in pharmacology and nutrition, and also did a graduate study in food science, leading to a career in various technical sales positions. He retired as sales manager of the Mid-Atlantic Pharmaceutical Division of Bristol-Myers Squibb.

Mr. Gilbert was active in the Lutheran Church of Our Savior and the Cape Henlopen Senior Center, both in Rehoboth Beach.

He is survived by two sons and their families, Don and Beth Gilbert of Milford, the parents of Kenneth and Carolyn; and Arthur and Martha Gilbert of Ellicott City, Md., the parents of Paul and Alan.

Mr. Gilbert was predeceased by Thelma (Strom) Gilbert, his beloved wife of 40 years.

His subsequent marriage to the late Irene (Wallgren) Gilbert was spent in Alexandria, Va. They moved at retirement to Rehoboth Beach in 1998. Survivors from this union include two stepsons, Thomas Backer and Kenneth Backer, and their families, including three grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

After Irene"s death, Mr. Gilbert delighted in finding the companionship of Barbara Morris of Rehoboth Beach.

A memorial service will be held at the Lutheran Church of Our Savior, Rehoboth Beach, at 11 a.m., on Saturday, June 9.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Lutheran Church of Our Savior, 7 Bay Vista Road, Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971 or the Cape Henlopen Senior Center, 11 Christian St., Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971.

Arrangements are being handled by Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, Atkins-Lodge Chapel, Lewes.