Max Merlin Gilbert

Max Merlin Gilbert completed his earthly mission on July 7, 2025. He leaves behind a legacy of kindness, wisdom, and faith, having touched the lives of countless friends and family members.

Born on July 26, 1945, in Lewiston, Utah, Max was the youngest of three children born to Merlin Joseph Gilbert and Dona Eliza Comish. He grew up on the family farm, where he developed a love for hard work, horses, and sports. He especially enjoyed playing football and baseball with his childhood friends. He graduated from Preston High School in 1963.

Max went on to study Agricultural Economics at Utah State University, where he met his eternal companion, Connie Lee Cardall. They were married on August 15, 1968, in the Salt Lake City Temple.

After many years of working on the family farm, Max transitioned to a new career as the bank manager of the newly-opened Lewiston State Bank branch in Preston, Idaho. He thoroughly enjoyed this career change, a good fit for his friendly nature and genuine interest in people. Whenever traveling near or far, Max would intentionally wear USU apparel. It proved to be amazingly effective at finding Cache Valley connections and helping him strike up conversations with new-found friends.

He enjoyed fishing, flying remote-controlled airplanes, and spending time with family and friends. Above all, Max loved serving in the Church. Some of his callings included Elders Quorum President, Bishop, and counselor in a stake presidency. In recent years, he found great joy teaching Primary and youth Sunday School classes. He served a full-time mission in the North Central States Mission and later served with Connie in the Vancouver Washington Mission Office.

Max’s greatest impact was the love and friendship he offered to all who knew him. His warmth and faith left a lasting impression.

He was preceded in death by his parents and brother-in-law, Stephen Meek and sister-in-law, Julie Summers. He is survived by his devoted wife, Connie; four children: Jamie (Marvin) Lewis, Christi (Kevin) Johnson, Ryan (Alecia) Gilbert, and Kevin (Kimberly) Gilbert; fourteen grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; his brother, Arlo (Ann) Gilbert, his sister, Madge Meek, and in-laws Alan and Nancy Cardall, and David Summers.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 12th, at the Fairview First Ward Chapel, 165 W. 4800 S., Fairview, Idaho. A viewing will be held on Friday evening, July 11th, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., also at the Fairview Chapel, and again prior to the service on Saturday from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, please consider “paying it forward” by sharing an act of kindness. 

Services will be available to stream live on Saturday July 12, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. by clicking the following link:

https://youtube.com/live/Ju35-jJ2vTA?feature=share