Nolan Dale Gilbert, age 83, a native Missourian and Springfield resident since 1966, entered into the arms of Jesus on Monday, September 30, 2013. He was born April 26, 1930 in Rolla, MO, the first of three sons born to Orville and Okla Gilbert. Nolan married Donna (Crick) Gilbert, his high school sweetheart and love of his life on October 8, 1948. Nolan and Donna, married for over 64 years, have been active members of First Baptist Church of Springfield, MO, where Nolan served as a deacon and Bible Study teacher. Nolan served as a Sunday School teacher for 62 years in various churches in Missouri, including 26 years at First Baptist Church. Nolan graduated from Richland High School in 1947, and worked for Frisco/Burlington Northern/Santa Fe railroad until his retirement in 1990. He is preceded in death by his parents, and two brothers, Olan and Bill. He is survived by his wife, Donna, two children and their spouses: Mike Gilbert and his wife Becky (Frieze) Gilbert of Phoenix, Arizona, and Becky (Gilbert) Peters and her husband Phil Peters of Camdenton, Missouri; four grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, and a host of other relatives and friends. A memorial celebration of Nolan’s life will be held on Friday, October 4, 2013, at 11:00 a.m. at First Baptist Church of Springfield, Missouri, with Dr. Michael Overton officiating. A visitation open to the public will be held one hour prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be directed to Hospice Compassus of Springfield or First Baptist Church Foundation. Services have been entrusted in Greenlawn Funeral Home South.