Gilbert Frobish

(From Derfelt Funeral Home)

Gilbert Russell Frobish, age 85, of Joplin, Missouri, passed away Sunday, November 24, 2024 at Westgate at Wildwood Ranch in Joplin, Missouri.

Gilbert was born July 28, 1939 to the late Russell and Leone (Williams) Frobish in Columbus, Kansas. He married Carole Hardin, the love of his life for 65 years, on October 2, 1959 in Columbus, Kansas; she survives of the home. 

Gilbert worked several jobs during his years which included working as an A Operator for Gulf Chemical Company, while also working as a farmer. In 1990, Gilbert and Carole moved to Western Kansas where he worked in Maintenance for the Scott City Hospital in Scott City, Kansas. In 2005, they moved back to the four-state area. 

Gilbert loved the Lord with his whole heart. He was a member of Harmony Heights Baptist Church in Joplin, Missouri, as well as a member of the Cherokee County Gideon's Camp. In addition to hunting and fishing, he loved spending time with his family, especially the grandchildren. One of his favorite outings was to attend the school programs, concerts, and sporting events that his grandkids participated in; consistently supportive and involved. He loved gardening and raised beautiful crops for his family. Gilbert was always full of joy and loved to laugh. He was known to enjoy slapstick comedy and often would watch television shows like The Three Stooges, and Family Feud.

In addition to his parents Russell and Leone Frobish, Gilbert was also preceded in death by his sisters Betty Frobish and Alice Holland; and one brother, Dale Frobish.

Gilbert is survived by his loving wife Carole Frobish of Joplin, Missouri; one son Mark Frobish of Tulsa, Oklahoma; two daughters: Lori Alexander of Medicine Lake, Montana, and Melissa Martin (husband Robert) of Columbus, Kansas; twelve grandchildren: Nicole Alexander, Kory Alexander, Joshua Alexander, Maddison Lytle (husband Tyson), Trenton Martin, Ethan Martin, Gabe Martin, Kody Martin, Tasha Frobish, Rebecca Frobish, Tim Frobish, and Kionah Audo; ten great grandchildren; and a host of cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Derfelt Funeral Home of Columbus, Kansas. The funeral service will be held on Wednesday, November 27, 2024 at 10:00 AM at Harmony Heights Baptist Church in Joplin, Missouri. The family will receive friends Tuesday evening, November 26, 2024 at Derfelt Funeral Home in Columbus, Kansas, from 6:00-8:00 PM. 

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made payable to your choice of Harmony Heights Baptist Church, or to the Cherokee County Gideon's Camp, in care of the funeral home.