Donald W. Gilcher Sr., 87, of Montpelier passed away at home Thursday evening surrounded by his loved ones. He was born on March 7, 1931 in Bryan to Waldo J. and Elva E. (Manley) Gilcher. On August 25, 1950 he married Joann J. Sidle and she preceded him in death.
Don was a member of the Zion Lutheran Church in West Jefferson, and the Montpelier Moose and Eagles. He was formerly employed at Challenge -Cook Bros. in Bryan as a general laborer for 18 years and was a foreman at Trim Trend in Bryan for 19 years. At one time he owned and operated Gilcher’s Auction Barn.
He is survived by two daughters, Nita Jo (Vivek) Laforet-Lachke and Elva Jo Treace both of Montpelier; fourteen grandchildren, twenty-three great grandchildren, and ten great great grandchildren; one brother James (Gloria) Gilcher of Kunkle; and one sister-in-law Artis Gilcher of Montpelier.
Don was preceded in death by his parents, wife, two sons Donald Gilcher Jr. and Richard Gilcher, two sons-in-law Skip Treace and Frederick Laforet, one brother Charles Gilcher, two sisters Betty Esterline and Darlene Fisher, grandson Freddie Laforet and great granddaughter Katie Hyser.
Visitation for Don will be on Sunday, August 19th from 12-6pm and Monday from 10-11am at the Thompson Funeral Home on Main Street in Montpelier. Services will be on Monday at 11am at the funeral home with Pastor Ron Evans to officiate. Interment will follow at Shiffler Cemetery in Bryan.
Memorial contributions may be given to the family. Condolences can be left atwww.thethompsonfuneralhome.com.