Frank Oliver Gilbert, Jr.

Frank Oliver Gilbert Jr. was born on January 30, 1929, in Leon Prairie, Leon County, Texas, to proud parents, Frank, Sr. and Ruth Pearl (Holden) Gilbert. He passed away on March 25, 2024, at his home in Flynn, at the age of 95.

After graduating from Leona School, Frank worked in the fields for seven years and worked on the docks at the Houston ship channel. He honorably served his country before being called home to help his parents. He was a fireman for the City of Houston for twenty-four years. On February 5, 1956, he married the love of his life, Darlene, and together they raised a beautiful family in Houston, Texas. In the spring of 1979, Frank retired from the fire department and purchased land just outside of Flynn, Texas.

Frank enjoyed hunting all types of wild game and fishing. He and his wife enjoyed dancing and had traveled to all forty-eight contiguous states. Frank had a great sense of humor and often got a kick out "pushing people's buttons." Because of his deep love for family, Frank and Darlene always ensured they were gathered frequently for holidays and get-togethers. Frank's love for cattle and working in the hay field showed his strong connection to the land and his roots in Leon County.

Frank was preceded in death by both of his parents and nine of his siblings. He is survived by his wife, Darlene Gilbert of Flynn; his children, Denise (Ronald) Gregory of Centerville, Nathan (Tammy) Gilbert of North Zulch and Beth (Scott) Long of Jonesboro, AR; his brother, Charles Preston "Pete" Gilbert of Pidcoke; his grandchildren, Lucas (Meghan) Gregory, Jess (Kendra) Gilbert, Lana (David) Marcus and Katie Gilbert and his great-grandchildren, Reagen Gilbert, Elizabeth Gregory, Becka Marcus, Lane Gregory, Rylee Gilbert, Jenna Marcus, Hannah Gregory and Mason Amaya; as well as a host of nieces, nephews and extended family and friends. A compassionate and reflective man, Frank Jr. was devoted to his family, always cherishing every moment spent with them.

A funeral service to honor and celebrate Frank's life will be held 11 A.M., Friday, March 29, 2024 at Evans Chapel Methodist Church, Leona, Texas. Rev. John Burchell and Rev. Kelley Sexton will officiate the service. Interment will follow in Evans Chapel Cemetery. A brief visitation will take place prior to the service from 10 A.M. to service time. Family and friends are invited to attend and pay their respects to a remarkable man who will forever hold a special place in their hearts.

Pallbearers: Kevin Gilbert, Doug Gilbert, Jess Gilbert, Lucas Gregory, David Marcus, Bubba Oden, Ty Smith

Honorary Pallbearers: Rick Ellis, Stephen Wier, Michael Wier, David Cox, Ed Mabry, Bob Shannon, Royce Keeling, Colton Manning

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Leona Volunteer Fire Department, Evans Chapel Methodist Church, or the Flynn Volunteer Fire Department.

Arrangements are under the direction of Walters Funeral Home, Centerville, Texas.