Gilbert A. Kokensparger

A funeral service celebrating the life of Gilbert A. Kokensparger, 89, of Mt. Perry, will be held on Friday, February 9, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. at Criss Wagner Hoskinson Funeral Home, with Pastor Cory Campbell officiating. Burial will follow in Newark Memorial Gardens. Visitation will be held at the funeral home, 179 Granville Street, Newark, two hours prior to the funeral service on Friday, from 11:00 a. m. to 1:00 p.m., where a Masonic service will be held at 12:45 p.m. Gilbert was born in Junction City, Ohio on May 14, 1934 to the late Clarence and Eunice (Martin) Kokensparger. He passed away at the Laurels of Heath on February 1, 2024. Prior to retirement, Gilbert was a machinist with Rockwell International for many years. He was a 60 year member of the Newark Masonic Lodge #97; honorary member of the Hebron Lodge #116; 50 year member of Valley of Cambridge AASR; 53 year member of York Rite where he served as Past High Priest, Past Illustrious Master and Past Commander; recipient of the Night of York Cross of Honor and the Knights Templar Meritorious Services award; and was also Past Patron of Wroena Chapter Order of Eastern Star. Gilbert enjoyed fishing, watching Family Feud and loved spending time with his family and friends. Survivors include his son and daughter-in-law, Royce E. and Karen Kokensparger; daughter and son-in-law, Denise and James Morris; siblings and spouses, Mearl Kokensparger, Jerry (Georgine) Kokensparger, Tom (Doris) Kokensparger, Carolyn (Lee) Wiseman and Ricky (Shirley) Kokensparger; grandson, Kelly (Khryste Bailey) Kokensparger; great grandchildren, Alicia (Cody) Kelley, Victoria (Cody Johnson) Kokensparger and Karrie Kokensparger; great great grandchildren, Hayden Johnson, Abby Kelley, Ellie Kelley, Oaklee Carroll, Camden Johnson and Tommy Kelley; and numerous nieces, nephews and friends. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two grandsons, Royce Kokensparger Jr. and Eric Watkins; three wives, Ilene West, Wilda Kokensparger and Roberta Kokensparger; and a sister, Gloria Burley. Memorial contributions may be made in memory of Gilbert to Shriners Hospitals for Children, Office of Development, 3229 Burnet Avenue, Cincinnati, Ohio 45229-3095. Visit www.HoskinsonFuneral.com to share a special memory about Gilbert or to sign an online guest book. Criss Wagner Hoskinson Funeral and Cremation Service is honored to care for Gilbert and his family.