Matthew "Packrat" D. Gilbert, 56, of Waynedale, passed away Saturday evening, May 10, 2025, at Stillwater Hospice Home in Fort Wayne.

Matt was born in Fort Wayne on June 24, 1968, to Edgar and Roberta (Ross) Gilbert.  Roberta survives in Ossian.

A 1986 graduate of Norwell High School, Matt worked at Ossian Smoked Meats for several years.  He was a member of the Sons of the American Legion Post 241 of Waynedale, where he had served as commander and 4th District Officer.  He will be remembered for his love of John Deere and being a "typical modern-day redneck and hillbilly".

In addition to his mother, Matt is survived by a daughter, Carley Gilbert of Kendallville; a sister, Sheli (Larry) Pulfer of Ossian; and a "brother from another mother", Mike Shuler.

Aside from his father, Matt was preceded in death by an infant sister, Elizabeth Gilbert.

A celebration of life will be held on Tuesday, June 24, 2025, from 5:30 until 7:30 PM, at the American Legion Post 241 in Waynedale.  Goodwin – Cale & Harnish Memorial Chapel in Bluffton has been entrusted with the arrangements.

Memorial contributions in memory of Matt may be made to the American Legion Post 241 of Waynedale, 7605 Bluffton Road, Fort Wayne, IN 46809.