He graduated from Grand Prairie High School in 1961 and earned a Bachelor of Business Administration/Marketing degree from North Texas University in 1966. He enjoyed a long successful career in the gas and pipeline equipment industry where he retired as owner of Craven & Associates.
Butch married Virginia Sherrin Gilbert on November 22, 1980. Together, they shared a beautiful, loving 44 years of marriage. After retirement, Butch spent his time doing what he loved most, traveling, camping, fishing and hunting with his family and friends.
Butch was baptized October 12, 1952. He was an active member of Inglewood Baptist Church for over 45 years. Served on the Personnel Committee, as an Usher, a Greeter and on the Health and Safety Team and participated in his adult Sunday school class “The Grown Ups”. After retiring he enjoyed helping with Vacation Bible School.
Butch was a life member of the Gabe P. Allen Lodge no. 1356 and Thomas B. Hunter Lodge no. 1356 where he was awarded the Golden Trowel; the highest award a Lodge can bestow upon an individual member.
He was preceded in death by his parents Borden and Jewel Gilbert and his nephew John Paul Knott.
Butch is survived by his wife, Virginia; his sons Bruce Alan Gilbert (wife Kristy) and Brent Lee Gilbert; his step children Ronald Crocker and Lori Dulworth (husband Matt); eight grandchildren, Brice and Brooke Gilbert, Aaryn and Chase Crocker, Terra Gonzales (husband Efrain), Cole, Chloe and Codi Dulworth; great grandson Efrain Gonzales III; sisters, Shirley Knott and Martha Hill and numerous nieces and nephews and a host of dear friends.
