Gilbert (Pop) Benjamin Withrow, 83, of Sweet Home, died Monday at his home. He was born in Atoka, Oklahoma, the son of Claude and Adell (Swindell) Withrow. He married his lifelong friend and sweetheart, Ila Beatrice Williams in 1946.

Gilbert served two terms in Europe during WWII, attaining the rank of Sergeant First Class. He received multiple awards, including three Bronze Service Stars, the EAME Ribbon, the Army of Occupations Medal, the WWII Victory Medal, and the Good Conduct Medal.

He moved his family to Oregon in 1947 and worked in the lumber industry as a Lead Mill Right. He lived in Sweet Home for the last 52 years. He was an outdoor enthusiast with a love of hunting, fishing, and camping.

Gilbert is survived by son, Ben Withrow; daughters, Ila Jean Pitts, Kathy Withrow, and Janet Jones; grandchildren, DeAnna Birdsall, Ronda Diebel, Tom, Ed, Bradley, Gregory, and Garry Pitts, Daniel and Issac Withrow, Heather Jenkins, Kallie Withrow, and Hailey Jones; 25 great-grandchildren and 6 great-great-grandchildren; and close friends, Bill and Carol Rounsaville.
He was preceded in death by parents, Claude and Adell Withrow; brothers, Windell, Orville, and Crell Withrow; sisters, Oleta Corkett, Louise Uber, and Adell Wallace; great-grandson, Ryan Pitts; and great-great-grandson, Joseph Gray.

Gilbert “Pop” Withrow

A memorial service is scheduled for Friday, March 23, at 11:00 am at Sweet Home Funeral Chapel, 1443 Long Street. Graveside service will follow at Twin Oaks Memorial Cemetery on Riverside Drive in Albany. Sweet Home Funeral Chapel will be handling the arrangements.