Wilbert Charles Gauding, 93 years of age, a lifelong resident of Ravenna, Ohio passed away Tuesday March 18, 2014 at Kent Ridge at Golden Pond in Kent, Ohio. He was born April 30, 1920 in Ravenna, Ohio the son of the late Fred and Francis (Schindler) Gauding.

Wilbert worked for Lampson and Sessions (which later became RB&W) in Kent for 44 years as a machinist until his retirement in 1982. Wilbert was a World War II Navy Veteran serving on the U.S.S. Laffey.

On April 16, 1945, Wilbert was onboard the U.S.S. Laffey when it was attacked by 22 kamikaze suicide planes, "6" of which hit the ship, and 4 bombs. Because the Laffey survived, it has been the nickname " The ship that would not die. "

As an original plank member of the U.S.S. Laffey, Wilbert spent many trips at Patriot's Point in Charleston, South Carolina where the Laffey is on display. He would often be an unofficial tour guide, giving visitors the inside view of his ship.

Wilbert was an avid fisherman and traveler, starting in 1947 with yearly trips to Lake Nipissing, Canada for fishing with family and friends. He also liked to visit Lake Erie. He continued his trips with family to the Outer Banks and Charleston, South Carolina through the last year of his life.

On May 8, 1946 he married Marian (Timothy) Gauding who preceded him in death on February 17, 2000 after 54 years of marriage. Also preceding was his brother Sylvester. He was survived by his daughter, Cheryl (Joe) Cettomai, son, Jeff (Kathi) Gauding, granddaughter, Julie (Marcus) Cordonnier, and great grandchildren, Eric and Molly.

Cremation has taken place and a private service was held.

Wilbert Charles Gauding, 93 years of age, a lifelong resident of Ravenna, Ohio passed away Tuesday March 18, 2014 at Kent Ridge at Golden Pond in Kent, Ohio. He was born April 30, 1920 in Ravenna, Ohio the son of the late Fred and Francis (Schindler) Gauding.

Wilbert worked for Lampson and Sessions (which later became RB&W) in Kent for 44 years as a machinist until his retirement in 1982. Wilbert was a World War II Navy Veteran serving on the U.S.S. Laffey.

On April 16, 1945, Wilbert was onboard the U.S.S. Laffey when it was attacked by 22 kamikaze suicide planes, "6" of which hit the ship, and 4 bombs. Because the Laffey survived, it has been the nickname " The ship that would not die. "

As an original plank member of the U.S.S. Laffey, Wilbert spent many trips at Patriot's Point in Charleston, South Carolina where the Laffey is on display. He would often be an unofficial tour guide, giving visitors the inside view of his ship.

Wilbert was an avid fisherman and traveler, starting in 1947 with yearly trips to Lake Nipissing, Canada for fishing with family and friends. He also liked to visit Lake Erie. He continued his trips with family to the Outer Banks and Charleston, South Carolina through the last year of his life.

On May 8, 1946 he married Marian (Timothy) Gauding who preceded him in death on February 17, 2000 after 54 years of marriage. Also preceding was his brother Sylvester. He was survived by his daughter, Cheryl (Joe) Cettomai, son, Jeff (Kathi) Gauding, granddaughter, Julie (Marcus) Cordonnier, and great grandchildren, Eric and Molly.

Cremation has taken place and a private service was held.