Former school administrator from Cape drowns in accident

A former school administrator and historian from Cape Girardeau died in an accidental drowning in the Castor River about 6 p.m. Friday in Wayne County, Missouri, according to Wayne County Sheriff Dean Finch.

Gary "Sonny" Gilbert, 81, had been celebrating at an annual Independence Day gathering with his family at their cabin on the river when, according to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, he lost his balance with a canoe and fell. Gilbert's body was recovered about 7:15 p.m. Friday about an eighth of a mile downstream, the sheriff reported.

Gilbert is survived by his wife, Joy Kurka Gilbert; and three children: Kenny Gilbert, Gay Pilsner and Julie Becker.

Gilbert, a graduate of Jackson High School, attended Southeast Missouri State University, where he excelled at varsity basketball. He coached basketball at Malden High School before becoming director of the Malden Tri-County Technical School.

In addition, Gilbert later became the director of the Cape Girardeau Career & Technology Center, where he was recognized as one of the early technical administrators in the nation.

Gilbert enjoyed participating in Civil War re-enactments and was a national authority on Native American tribes, especially in regards to the Battle of the Little Bighorn, which he helped catalogue names and places for.

Gilbert's hobbies included running, where he was an original member of the Cape Girardeau Road Runners along with his wife; woodworking, teaching and athletics.

Two other drownings occurred in Missouri during the Fourth of July holiday -- one at Lake of the Ozarks and the other at Table Rock Lake, according to the highway patrol.

Further details and a full listing of all surviving relatives are expected in an obituary in the Tuesday edition of the Southeast Missourian. Ford & Sons Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Pertinent address: Wayne County, Mo.