Donnie Ray Gilbert

Donnie Ray Gilbert, 69, of Thurman, Ohio, passed away Wednesday, July 1, 2026, at The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio.

A mechanic by trade, he had a passion for classic cars, especially the Ford Fairlane and Mustang. He was an enthusiast of the 1960’s and the music and movies of that era. His favorite time was spent tinkering around the house while assigning chores to his grandchildren. The past several years he loved spending time with his wife and their pet dog Sylvie and sharing stories with family and friends.

Donnie was very proud of being one of the longest living kidney transplant recipients at forty years and was very thankful for the gift of life he received that shaped his and his family’s future.

Donnie loved and cared for his family more than anything including the great love of his wife Tenna Gilbert, Thurman, Ohio and their children: Dawn (Bradley) Belville, Albany, Ohio; Jennifer (Carl) DeWitt, Vinton, Ohio and Cory (Adrian) Gilbert, Athens, Ohio; grandchildren: Nathan Belville, Lancaster, Ohio; Alexis Belville, Albany, Ohio; Kaleb DeWitt, Sevierville, Tennessee and Evan DeWitt, Vinton, Ohio; mother-in-law, Darlene Shortridge, Thurman, Ohio and many close family members and friends.

He was preceded by his father Homer Gilbert, father-in-law, Harold Shortridge, and several of his brothers and close family.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday, July 7, 2026, at 12:00 Noon in the McCoy-Moore Funeral Home, Vinton Chapel. Burial will follow in Campaign Cemetery, Bidwell, Ohio. Family and friends may attend visitation at the funeral home Tuesday, 11:00 AM to the Noon service time.

In lieu of floral memorials, please consider a donation to Donnie’s memorial fund to aid the family with funeral expenses c/o McCoy-Moore Funeral Home 208 Main Street Vinton, OH 45686 or via the website at www.mccoymoore.com

Please consider being an organ donor, for more information go to Donate Life Ohio via www.donatelife.ohio.gov