Homer Gilbert

Homer Monroe Gilbert, 91, of Cape Girardeau died Friday, March 11, 2005, at his daughter's home.

He was born April 9, 1913, in Cape Girardeau, son of Judge Charles Monroe and Boka Homa Owsley Gilbert. He and Margaret Schlue were married April 18, 1932. She preceeded him in death on March 15, 1977.

Gilbert's career was in sales and music. Employers included Connie Shop, Buckner Ragsdale, Gaylor's Shoe Store and Brown Shoe Fit until the age of 87.

He played trumpet from age 9 to 87. He played for Rhythm Aces, Herb Suedekum, various other bands and the Cape Girardeau Municipal Band for 72 years. Gilbert taught music to numerous accomplished musicians who have gone on to teach at schools such as Purdue. He taught all of his grandchildren music. One is now a songwriter in Nashville.

One-time opportunities included playing for Madame Chiang Kai-shek, accompanying Sophie Tucker, playing beside Harry James and with Louis Armstrong.

The Bible was his life.

Survivors include four daughters, Judith Racquel Gilbert, Margaret Janice Ramey, Sarah Lynn Froemsdorf, all of Cape Girardeau, Monica Joy Gilbert of Jackson; a son, John Michael Gilbert of Jefferson City, Mo.; a sister, Lolla Gilbert of Cape Girardeau; 12 grandchildren; 30 great-grandchildren; two great-great grandchildren; in-laws Barbara Schlue, Dolly Schlue and Mary DeGuire, all of Cape Girardeau; multiple nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by a son, Homer Francis Gilbert, who died Jan. 8, 1982; an infant daughter; two siblings, C. Wooten Gilbert and Kelvin Gilbert; and a grandchild, Racquel Qualls, who died Nov. 26, 2003.

In lieu of flowers, Gilbert has a musical scholarship at Southeast Missouri State University.

Friends may call at Ford and Sons Mount Auburn Chapel from 5 to 9 p.m. today.

Funeral will be at 11 a.m. Monday at the funeral home. Burial will be in Cape County Memorial Park.