John C Gilbert

John C. Gilbert

July 27,1953 - September 19, 2026

Portsmouth Resident

F. C. Daehler Mortuary

Dr. John Charles Gilbert passed away peacefully on September 19, 2026, after a long illness, with his loving wife, Julia and other family by his side. Over the last week prior to passing, John had the company of all of his children, and grandchildren sharing stories, memories and love.

Born in July 27, 1953, in Columbus Ohio, he was the son of Charles and Lynn Gilbert. Dr. Gilbert attended Ohio State University, earning his degree and proudly serving as a percussionist with the Ohio State University Marching Band, performing alongside talented bandmates during games and campus traditions. A proud successor to the Ohio State Buckeye family legacy of his father Charles, who played football for Ohio State.

Dr. Gilbert began his professional career as a teacher. Driven by a deep love for science and a strong calling to care for others, he later left education to attend medical school at the Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine, where he obtained his DO degree. He completed his medical residencies in, and Columbus, Ohio.

After completing his training, Dr. Gilbert moved to Portsmouth, Ohio, with his family, joining Southern Ohio Medical Center and later in practice Kings Daughters. For over 30 years, Dr. Gilbert served the Portsmouth community with profound compassion, clinical excellence, and steadfast commitment.

In retirement, Dr. Gilbert filled his days with the things and people he loved. He could often be found in his wood shop crafting pieces, playing the drums, watching Formula 1, and sharing his life enduringly with his wife, Julia. Dr. Gilbert was a truly skilled craftsman, he poured his talent into making custom furniture for his home and thoughtful gifts for others. In his final year, working diligently with Julia by his side, he crafted a beautiful, unique gift for each of his grandchildren-passing along a physical piece of himself for future generations and lovingly manifesting his enduring legacy.

Dr. Gilbert was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Lynn Gilbert.

He is survived by:

His devoted wife of almost 40 years, Julia Gilbert, six beloved children: Erin Shumaker, Newark, Ohio; Dr. John Gilbert, Elkheart, Ohio; Adam Gilbert, Lynnwood, Washington; Kaitlyn Kaufmann, Lexington, Virginia; Stephanie Lewis, Portsmouth Ohio, and Katherine Gilbert of Columbus, Ohio. His sons-in-law: Dr. Bryant Kaufmann, Aaron Shumaker and Jarrod Lewis. His daughters-in-law: Abby Gilbert and Michelle Gilbert and 12 cherished grandchildren. Additionally, he is survived by his siblings Karen Scott, Fort Myers, Florida; Sandy Carney-Robinson, Bristow, Virginia and Steve Gilbert, Huntersville, North Carolina.

Dr. Gilbert's profound impact on his community, his patients, his family, and everyone close to him will resonate for years to come. Godspeed John, and Go Bucks!Please visit www.fcdaehlermortuary.com to leave a special memory of John or condolences for his family.