Carl Edward Gilstrap

Carl Edward Gilstrap, age 88, went to be with his Lord on September 9, 2021, at Albany Health and Rehab Center in Albany, IN.  Carl is survived by his wife Martha of Muncie, IN; his son Don (Mhing) of Albany, IN; his son Mark (Robin) of Celina, OH; his stepdaughter Kathy (Gary) Brown of Economy, IN; 11 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren; and 6 great-great grandchildren.

Carl was born on November 30, 1932, in Howard TWP of Washington Co, IN to parents Cleo and Geneva (Smith) Gilstrap.  A middle child, he is proceeded in death by an older infant brother and younger infant sister; his daughter Betty Jean; wife Mary Ruth (Stidham); daughter-in-law Angela; and 1 granddaughter.

He graduated from Salem High School in 1950 before serving at naval bases in Oklahoma, Maryland and Rhode Island.  He trained to be an aviation electronics technician, touring Gibraltar, Greece, Italy and Morocco.  A graduate of David Lipscomb University, Nashville, TN, he accepted a position as a minister of Madison Church of Christ.

Carl later obtained his Masters degree from Ball State University with certification to teach K-12 Social Studies and 7-12th grade U.S. and World History.  For a few years he and his family owned and operated Kenwood Restaurant in downtown Muncie.  In 2004, he retired from Logansport Community Schools after 33 years of teaching.

Carl was a social, active man who, for most of his life kept a daily journal, enjoyed researching genealogy, traveling to historic locations, and playing in the internet game rooms.  Over the years he held memberships with the Moose Lodge, VFW, American Legion and West Side Church of Christ.

Funeral services will be held at Parson Mortuary and Cremation Center on Thursday September 16th, 2021 at 1:00 PM with Minister Michael Gors officiating.  Burial will take place at 3:00 PM at Black Cemetery in Albany, IN.  Friends may call from 11:00 AM until the time of the service.

The family will receive online condolences at www.parsonmortuary.com

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