Gilbert G. Withers

Gilbert Withers (Mr. G) formerly of Denison, Iowa, and more recently of The Woodlands, Texas, passed away peacefully April 2, 2024, at the age of 94. Gilbert was husband to Eileen Withers for over 65 years and father to son, Kent Withers, as well as daughter, Janene Withers Hemmen and son-in-law, Rick Hemmen, grandfather to Zack Hemmen, and great grandfather to Montana.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Wayne and Shirley Withers, siblings Cliff Withers, Mike Withers, and Shirley Fay Schumacher; he is survived by siblings, Kathy Fryslie of Ackley, Iowa, and Trish Miller of Olathe, Kansas.

Gilbert was a kind, energetic, positive, social, and non-judgmental person who loved life. He was blessed with his ability to listen to others. In addition, he encouraged people of all ages to set goals and be persistent.  He really wanted to help the underdogs. He had no vices and never a negative word for others.

Mr. G was born January 9, 1930, to Shirley and Wayne Withers in Eagle Grove, Iowa, and was 1 of 6 children. His mother was a strong proponent of education which impacted him at the highest level.  He started school at age 5 with his older brother Cliff.  His teacher was convinced he would get tired and return home; he never did as he loved going to school. Upon completion of high school in 1947, he taught country school and was a lifeguard in Webster City, Iowa, while attending the local community college. His appreciation for education and aquatics continued throughout his life.

Gilbert served his country for 2 years, 1951-53, and was stationed in Hawaii assigned to a Marine Aviation Squadron.

After his service, he continued his education and graduated from Iowa State University in 1957 with a Bachelors in Agricultural Education.  He taught in an area high school and married Eileen in 1958.  Kent and Janene were born in the next few years.

The Withers family relocated to Denison, Iowa, where initially he worked for Farmland Industries as an agricultural supply salesman for Farmland Industries. 

His strong desire to work in education brought him back to teaching, and he began a long career in the Manilla, Iowa, school system.  He attended night school and summer school at Iowa State University graduating in 1971 with a Master of Science in Education with a Focus in Guidance and Counseling. A generation of high school age students were encouraged by him to pursue their interests upon graduation. He excelled at assisting young adults as they made post high school decisions.

During the 1970s and the 1980s, Gilbert taught tractor safety school to Crawford County teenage kids each summer.  After tractor safety school each summer, he would take the family on an annual month-long pilgrimage camping trip through the Rocky Mountains and beyond.

During this same time period, Mr. G also taught night school for the G.I. Agricultural Education Program for Vietnam ERA vets and took special satisfaction in these sessions.  Lastly, he served the community of Western Iowa by teaching Drivers Improvement classes to those with traffic violations.  His work with these groups of people extended his network of acquaintances across the state/country, and he remained in contact with many years after.  He never knew a stranger!

After 26 years at Irwin-Kirkman-Manilla (IKM) community school, he retired to Denison. Swimming at the indoor community pool and working in his garden kept him active.  He loved raising Cannas. 

In 2014, Gilbert and Eileen moved to The Woodlands, Texas, to be close to their children and grandson, Zack. He continued to swim until 2022 much to the chagrin of his cardiologist.

In Houston ISD, he assisted his daughter, Janene, working with elementary students in a very low socio-economic elementary school where a first-grade boy coined his nickname, Mr. G.

Graveside services for the family will be held in Eagle Grove, Iowa, on Tuesday, April 16, 2024, 11am.

Additionally, “Celebration of Life” gatherings will be scheduled in the May/June timeframe in Central Iowa, and Manilla/Denison. 

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