Ethan Drew Gilbert, 34, passed away on June 7, 2025 in Tullahoma, Tennessee. Born on January 31, 1991, in Norman, Oklahoma, to Shannon and Mollie (Perry) Gilbert, Ethan lived a vibrant and adventurous life filled with laughter, love, and purpose.
Ethan's younger years were spent at Whitebead Schools and then he graduated from Pauls Valley High School in 2010, where he proudly earned the All-State title in football while also lettering in track. In his younger years he was a proud member of the "Grass Cutters", a little league football team that made it to the Arbuckle Bowl — a young memory he always cherished.
Throughout his life, Ethan was known as a "goofball extraordinaire," bringing joy and laughter to everyone around him. He often joked that his real job was making people laugh — and he took that calling seriously. Friends and family will forever remember his humor, positivity, and unique ability to brighten any room.
Professionally, Ethan worked primarily in the oilfield industry, with a focus on construction and wireline work. More recently, he was excited to start a new chapter working with his older brother Christopher as a Heavy Equipment Operator for his business in Tennessee — a fresh start he approached with characteristic optimism and determination.
Ethan had many passions, including woodworking, horticulture, hiking, traveling, fitness, and tattoos. His creativity and curiosity showed in everything he did, from building projects to spontaneous adventures. He deeply valued family and the relationships with his closest friends. His family often spoke fondly of the delicious ribs he cooked — a meal that often came second to his favorite, his mother's Mexican casserole.
Above all, Ethan lived by a simple but powerful motto: "Stay positive and good things will always come your way — but that doesn't mean it won't be a struggle sometimes." It was a reminder he shared freely, often when others needed it most.
Ethan is survived by his daughter, Ava Gilbert; Parents, Shannon and Mollie Gilbert; Brother, Christopher Gilbert and wife Sage; Sisters, MeLeah Gilbert, Hilliary Gilbert and Reid Colley; his dear friend Sarah Shattuck; Nephews, Corbin Andrew Shane Gilbert and wife Ashley, Drake Alexander Gilbert, Kingston Carmine Thrash; Neices, TayLynn Nakyl Thrash, Palmer Grace Gilbert, Ivy Gilbert; extended family; countless friends; and all those whose lives he touched with his humor, warmth, and strength of spirit.
Ethan was preceded in death by his grandparents, Leo and Louise Perry and W.A. "Dub" and Waunice Gilbert.
Services for Ethan are Thursday, June 19th at 2:00 PM at Wooster Funeral Home Chapel in Pauls Valley, Oklahoma with Pastor Richard Newton officiating. If you would like to send the family condolences, you may do so at www.woosterfuneralhomes.com