Gilbert Saling
World War II-U. S. Army.

Gilbert "Pickle" Saling was born July 20, 1919 in the Echols Community of Ohio County, Kentucky. Gilbert grew up as a farmer's son in the area where he was born and the desire to farm never left his mind. He attended Jubilee School, a one room school that was located between the Echols Community and Chiggerville. Green River was less than two miles West of Jubilee School and an inviting place to be when and if all of the chores were complete. Life could be harsh in the early part of the twentieth century, and especially on a farm, but Gilbert, like the rest of the youngsters in those days, managed. They simply did not know that harshness and hard work were not the norm. There were chores to do prior to going to school and chores to do after coming home from school. Just attending school was a chore in itself as transportation for the students was primarily the student's responsibility and that could mean a mile or more walk just to get to the school building. Of course, that would be reversed after school was out for that day.

"Life could be harsh in those days", as stated in previous paragraph, does not mean that life could not also be gentle, mellow, or even enjoyable. A farmer's life, as well as a farmer's son's life had the whole world to enjoy. Open fields, forest, and the Green River near by were areas where enjoyment could be the ultimate. Social life in those times centered around the school and the Churches. If one has never been to a country school event like a Halloween Festival, Christmas program, or even a graduation ceremony, a pleasurable opportunity was missed. If is doubtful that most of those attending a Church Event, like a "Home Coming" will ever forget the pleasures and enjoyment as well as the good food and the socializing that would be felt and remembered. Gilbert lived and grew up in such a place. Life was harsh, but life was good. Freedom was even better, but Freedom is not guaranteed, and must be preserved by all means possible, even if it means war.

Gilbert was almost 21 years old when he married Flora Saling in 1940 and they settled in on a farm to raise a family. A war was looming in Europe and it would be felt even on a farm in Ohio County, Kentucky. On December 7, 1941 the country of Japan attacked Pearl Harbor, an American Naval Base in Hawaii, and the next day we were in a war to protect our country and to preserve our freedom. Even with children, men were being drafted into the U. S. Army to fight for our freedom and Gilbert was one of many that was drafted. He laid down his plow and was sent off to war. He served honorably and courageously, completed his required tour of duty and returned to the states as a hero.

Gilbert's love of family and his love of the farm brought him back to Ohio County. With his military obligation behind him, Gilbert and Flora settled on a farm to raise a big family. The big family plans did evolve into a big family as they raised four sons and seven daughters. The farmer's life did not pan out, as a lot of the farmland was being bought out by Peabody Coal Company and that included the farm area that the Saling's family had selected. Peabody Coal Company, in purchasing farm land, in most cases, would offer the farmer a job as well as fair money for their farm and Gilbert and Flora were such a family. Gilbert became a coal miner and Flora a housewife. They purchased a big house in Rockport and raised that large family. Such was life until retirement and now Gilbert and Flora sold their property in Rockport and bought that retirement farm a few miles from Rockport. A long and enjoyable life on that farm included almost constant visiting by the family, as most of their children married and settled in close to the retirement farm. They were blessed.

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BEAVER DAM, KY
OBITUARY 07/11/2011.

Gilbert "Pickle" Sailing, 91, of Beaver Dam, KY, passed away Sunday, July 10, 2011 at his home. He was born July 20, 1919 to the late Calvin Mitchell and Ruthie Elizabeth Jones Sailing. On May 4, 1940, he married his wife Flora Maddox Sailing, with Rev. M.G. Snell officiating. He was a U.S. Army Veteran of World War II, attended Echols General Baptist Church and worked as a Coal Miner at Ken Mine for Peabody Coal Company. In addition to his Parents, he was preceded in death by two Sons, Donald Gilbert Sailing and Ronnie Lynn Sailing and two Grandchildren, Tommy Sailing and Mitchell Lewis. He is survived by his wife of 71 years, Flora Maddox Sailing of Beaver Dam, two Sons, Ray (Debbie) Sailing of Hartford and Jack (Carla) Sailing of Beaver Dam, seven Daughters, Peggy Letizia of Beaver Dam, Jean Lewis of McHenry, Brenda Carol (Roger) Schroader of Horse Branch, Lois (Larry) Minton of Beaver Dam, Evelyn Shepherd of McHenry, Bonnie (Jack) Kasee of Beaver Dam, and Shelia Robin Black of Beaver Dam. He was also blessed by 44 Grandchildren, 86 Great Grandchildren and 12 Great Great Grandchildren.

Funeral Services will be held at 1:00 PM, Tuesday, July 12, 2011 at William L. Danks Funeral Home in Beaver Dam, with Rev. Chris Lewis and Rev. Tim Smith officiating. Burial will be in Echols Cemetery. Visitation will be from 3-8 PM, Monday and after 9 AM until the time of service on Tuesday at the funeral home.

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Thanks "Pickle". Thanks for a distinguished and honorably military time in helping protect our country.

jerry

; ~ )