Dr. Larry Alan Gilbert, 80, of Elkton, MD passed away on Tuesday, March 25, 2025. Born in Charleston, WV on January 18, 1945, he was the son of the late Edmund B. and Violet L. Callahan Gilbert.

Larry graduated from Elkton High School in 1964 and married his wife, Mary Lou in 1965.  He started EESCO (Elkton Electric Sign Company) in his early adult years and made many signs that were seen at local landmarks in the surrounding areas.  Larry was also the artist who created the logo for the Cecil County seal while he was still in high school.

In the late 70's Larry was led to leave Elkton and move his family to Lynchburg, VA to attend Liberty Bible Institute.  Shortly after his graduation, he became the Founder and Chairman of Ephesians Four Ministries, the parent organization of Church Growth Institute.  Church Growth Institute became one of the leading  Christian publishers, providing resource materials for churches.  He was a leader, speaker and author.  One of his greatest accomplishments was Team Ministry Spiritual Gifts Inventory which has been used by millions; continues to be published and is available in multiple languages.  He has authored many books, articles and resources, taught many seminars across the continent and has been a visiting professor at multiple colleges, universities and seminaries.  In 1993 he was awarded an Honorary Doctorate in Theology from the Mid-Atlantic College &Theological Seminary for his work and extensive studies reflecting his lifelong commitment to spiritual growth and understanding. He dedicated many years of his career to Christian publishing and has made a lasting impact.  He was known as "Dr. G" to his staff at Church Growth Institute and was presented by them, the Kubernesis Award for outstanding leadership qualities in making wise leadership decisions and demonstrating commitment to biblical principals.

In 1995 Larry and Mary Lou returned to their hometown of Elkton for their retirement years.  Outside of his professional achievements, Larry had a passion for classic cars and was an active member of several local Corvette clubs, where he bonded with fellow enthusiasts. His true joy, however, was restoring vintage 1957 Corvettes, a hobby that highlighted his skill, meticulous attention to detail, and dedication to preserving automotive history.  The restoration of the "His and Hers" '57 corvettes was his retirement "fun" and both cars were at hundreds of car shows, received many awards, published in several magazines, and were the featured cars, at several large car shows on the east coast.

As a family man, he was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather. Over the years, he was seen at many sporting events and horse shows supporting his children and grandchildren.  He was lovingly known as Poppop, Pop, Pappy and Poppa to his family.  He maintained lifelong friendships with friends from high school, church and business.

Survivors include his loving wife of 59 years, Mary Lou Woodward Gilbert; children, Kelly Davis (David Louthian), Quarryville, PA, and Jason Gilbert (Debra), Perryville, MD; grandchildren, Scott Gilbert, Zachary Gilbert, Zoey Gilbert, Violet Gilbert, and Erin Cooper (Cordero); great-grandchildren, Colton and Ellie Cooper and his brother, Gary Gilbert (Caroline), Cochranville, PA.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son, Larry Alan Gilbert II.

Memorial service will be held at Noon, Thursday, April 17, 2025, at Hicks Funeral Home, 103 West Stockton Street, Elkton, MD 21921, with visitation beginning at 10 AM. Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinsons research.