In 1977, Mr. Gilbert was named vice president and general manager of Rheem’s Air Conditioning Division.
He was president of the Gas Appliance Manufacturers Association and served as a director on a number of corporate and charitable governing boards, including the Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration Institute, Sparks Health System Foundation, Reynolds Cancer Support House, Girls Incorporated of Fort Smith, the Salvation Army, the Fort Smith Chorale, Old Fort Smith Museum, Hardscrabble Country Club, Superior Federal Bank, Treadco Inc., and Weldon Williams & Lick.