Thomas James Gilbert, 84, of Nixa passed away Sunday, October 24, 2010, in St. John's Hospital. Born in Nixa, Missouri, he was the only child of Ernest and Mamie Lee Daugherty Gilbert. Tom graduated from Nixa High School in 1944 and then proudly served in the U.S. Army 12th Calvary Regiment in World War II in New Guinea and the Philippines from 1944 to 1946. He worked in the Kaiser Shipyards in Richmond, California during his teens. On April 18, 1947, he married Bette Rose Shoffner and they enjoyed 63 wonderful years together. Tom worked for Masters Jackson Construction Company among others for many years as a heavy equipment operator doing roadwork and construction around the state of Missouri until his retirement in 1987. He enjoyed carpentry, reading and going to California to see his grandchildren of whom he was very proud. He was the best husband and father that anyone could ever ask for. Tom always put his family first and enjoyed spending time with them. Throughout his many health problems, he never complained and kept a positive attitude. He was a member of Wesley United Methodist Church. Thomas will be deeply missed by all who knew him. He was preceded in death by his parents. Survivors include his wife, Bette; a son, Kelly Gilbert and wife, Cathy of Palm Springs, California; a daughter, Roseanne Hartung and husband, Ken of Springfield, Missouri; and grandchildren, Madison, Chelsea and Alex Gilbert. Graveside services with full military honors will be Wednesday, October 27, 2010 at 10 a.m., in Missouri Veteran's Cemetery under the care of Gorman-Scharpf Brentwood Chapel. Visitation will be Tuesday from 5 to 7 p.m., in the funeral home.