Arthur Gilbert Gopfert
September 26, 1929 — July 3, 2020
Arthur Gilbert Gopfert Jr. passed away on July 3, 2020 at the age of 90 in Columbus, Ga.
We celebrate the life of Gilbert Gopfert and the many blessings he has brought this world and his family.
In keeping with the efforts to stop the spread of COVID-19, a private Graveside Service will be held in Parkhill Cemetery according to McMullen Funeral Home and Crematory 3874 Gentian Blvd. Columbus, Ga. 31907.
Born September 26, 1929 in Charlotte, NC one of 5 siblings. In 1948 Gilbert began serving his country in the US Army Engineering Battalion in Fort Jackson South Carolina. During his service he was stationed in several countries, England, France, Germany, Africa, Korea, Greenland and Vietnam. In 1950, while stationed in Gloucester, England he met the love of his life and future bride of 69 years, Vera May Folkes. As part of the 43rd US Army Engineering battalion Gilbert built numerousbridges and roads in Vietnam, Africa, Korea and even building a small city deep under the ice in 1962 at Camp Century, Greenland.
Gilbert retired from the military February 19, 1968in Fort Benning, GA after 20 years of service, making Columbus, GA his home. Following his military retirement, he began working as a US postal carrier in Columbus before retiring again 20 years later in 1988. Gilbert never met a person he would not strike up a conversation with. He was quick to help others in need and was a jack of all trades who could fix anything. On one occasion when asked what he was doing today, Gilbert replied "Oh I'm helping the old guy down the street fix his water heater". The joke being that Gilbert was 20 years the man's senior. In many ways, always a kid at heart who loved gardening, woodworking, fishing and anything related to his large extended family. He especially loved decorating for Christmas and the annual tradition of carefully laying out the antique Lionel train and scenery for the grandchildren to enjoy as generations have before.
Gilbert is survived by his wife Vera and their 5 children and spouses, Carole & Bill Wynn of Columbus, Ga, Marie & Walter Nealing of Florence, SC, Arthur & Bridget Gopfert, lll. of Greensboro, GA; Shirley & David Smith of Roswell, Ga. and Sally Willis of Columbus, GA. He is also survived by his two sisters, Evelyn Mott of Cataula, Ga and Betty Munch of Asheville, NC. Gilbert was a proud patriarch to 13 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren.
4161 Macon Rd
Columbus, GA, 31907
We celebrate the life of Gilbert Gopfert and the many blessings he has brought this world and his family.
In keeping with the efforts to stop the spread of COVID-19, a private Graveside Service will be held in Parkhill Cemetery according to McMullen Funeral Home and Crematory 3874 Gentian Blvd. Columbus, Ga. 31907.
Born September 26, 1929 in Charlotte, NC one of 5 siblings. In 1948 Gilbert began serving his country in the US Army Engineering Battalion in Fort Jackson South Carolina. During his service he was stationed in several countries, England, France, Germany, Africa, Korea, Greenland and Vietnam. In 1950, while stationed in Gloucester, England he met the love of his life and future bride of 69 years, Vera May Folkes. As part of the 43rd US Army Engineering battalion Gilbert built numerousbridges and roads in Vietnam, Africa, Korea and even building a small city deep under the ice in 1962 at Camp Century, Greenland.
Gilbert retired from the military February 19, 1968in Fort Benning, GA after 20 years of service, making Columbus, GA his home. Following his military retirement, he began working as a US postal carrier in Columbus before retiring again 20 years later in 1988. Gilbert never met a person he would not strike up a conversation with. He was quick to help others in need and was a jack of all trades who could fix anything. On one occasion when asked what he was doing today, Gilbert replied "Oh I'm helping the old guy down the street fix his water heater". The joke being that Gilbert was 20 years the man's senior. In many ways, always a kid at heart who loved gardening, woodworking, fishing and anything related to his large extended family. He especially loved decorating for Christmas and the annual tradition of carefully laying out the antique Lionel train and scenery for the grandchildren to enjoy as generations have before.
Gilbert is survived by his wife Vera and their 5 children and spouses, Carole & Bill Wynn of Columbus, Ga, Marie & Walter Nealing of Florence, SC, Arthur & Bridget Gopfert, lll. of Greensboro, GA; Shirley & David Smith of Roswell, Ga. and Sally Willis of Columbus, GA. He is also survived by his two sisters, Evelyn Mott of Cataula, Ga and Betty Munch of Asheville, NC. Gilbert was a proud patriarch to 13 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren.
Private Family Service
JUL 14 (EST)
Parkhill Cemetery4161 Macon Rd
Columbus, GA, 31907
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