Gilbert R. Steighner, 78, of Rennick Road died Tuesday at his home.

Born March 19, 1928, in Herman, he was a son of Harry J. Sr. and Margaret Dadowski Steighner.

He was a retired self-employed painting contractor and operated his business for 23 years until his retirement in 1999.

Mr. Steighner was a veteran of the Navy and the Air Force.

He enjoyed the outdoors, was an avid archery hunter and was a member of the Happy Hunters Sportsmen's Club in Fenelton, and the NRA. He also enjoyed camping, singing, playing the guitar and telling jokes.

He was a member of St. John Roman Catholic Church in Coylesville and the R.C. Men's Club in Herman.

Surviving are his wife, Gladys J. Geibel Steighner, whom he married Dec. 27, 1948; four sons, Gilbert H. and Gary Steighner, both of Rimersburg, Donald Steighner of Carbon Center and Daniel Steighner of Herman; two daughters, Mrs. Fred (Carol) Collins of Chicora and Christine Sullivan of Carbon Center; three brothers, Earl Steighner of New York and Louis and Francis Steighner, both of Herman; and two sisters, Margaret Stutz of East Butler and Vera Reader of New Jersey.

He also is survived by 22 grandchildren, 31 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

Two brothers preceded him in death.

<B>STEIGHNER </B>— Friends of Gilbert R. Steighner, who died Tuesday, May 23, 2006, will be received from 7 to 9 p.m. today and from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Friday at the <B>Geibel Funeral Home</B>, 201 E. Cunningham St. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Saturday at St. John Roman Catholic Church in Coylesville with the Rev. Robert Meyer officiating. Burial will follow at the church cemetery.Information also is available at www.geibelfuneralhome.com.