Norman Lewis Gilbert, Jr., age 54 of Malvern, died unexpectedly Friday evening, December 12, 2008, in the Hot Spring County Medical Center. He was born in Malvern on August 3, 1954 to the late Norman Lewis, Sr. and Lois Cooper Gilbert. His maternal grandparents, the late Felix Downey "Doc" Cooper and Helen Kilpatrick Cooper, were the founders of Cooper Funeral Company, which later became Atkinson's. Norman was reared and educated in Malvern, and was currently serving on the City Planning Commission. He was employed for over 25 years by the A. O. Smith Company in Little Rock, a manufacturer of fiberglass tubes and pipes, before ill health forced him to retire. Norman was a member of the Lifepoint Church, where he felt he truly belonged. He was a "cat person". Over his lifetime, Norman raised and cared for all types of felines, from the common to the exotic.

He leaves behind his wife, Becky Rains Gilbert, to whom he was married on June 2, 1978; two sons, Chad Ashley Gilbert and Michael Shawn Gilbert, all of Malvern; by two sisters, Martha Gilbert of Benton, and Kay Gilbert Jennings of Hot Springs; by three step-sisters, Kathy Walters, Charlotte Peek, and Cindy Walters all of Malvern; by two nieces, Kerry Landreth of Louisiana, and Megan Hobbs of Malvern; by three great-nieces, Christie Raye, Rachel, and Mylee Hobbs; and by four great-nephews, Caleb, Daniel, and Eli Landreth, and Mason Hobbs.

Norman was also preceded in death by his step-mother, Blanch Walters Gilbert.

A memorial service will be held in the chapel of J. A. Funk Funeral Home on Wednesday, December 17, 2008, at ten o'clock, with Brother Ronnie Brumley, Norman's pastor, officiating.

Memorials are requested to Lifepoint Church, 25741 Hwy 67 South, Malvern.

>Online condolences may be sent via jafunkfuneralhome.com.