Allan Henry Gilbert

March 8, 1926 – April 20, 2011

Allan Henry Etny Gilbert was born to Henry Matthew Gilbert and Ora Lee Williams on March 8, 1926. He went to be with Christ on April 20, 2011. He was preceded in death by: Parents Henry and Ora Gilbert; Brothers Travis and Clyde Gilbert; Sisters Patsy Wilson and Audrey Powell; Great-granddaughter Megan Clark; and Brother-in-law Ray West.

He devoted his life to serving his Lord and loving his family as evident in his careers and volunteer work throughout his life. He graduated from Sudan High School in Sudan, Texas and joined the Army Air Corps. in 1944 where he served his country in Germany during WWII. After earning an honorable discharge in 1946, he attended college at Wayland Baptist College, Sul Ross State University, and graduated from Hardin Simmons University. He then taught for five years in Levelland, Texas; served 12 years as principal in Van Horn, Texas; and retired after 13 years as superintendent of Balmorhea ISD in Balmorhea, Texas.

After retirement, he pastored Concord Baptist Church near Bangs, Texas; Littleville Baptist Church in Hamilton, Texas; Pottsville Baptist Church in Pottsville, Texas, and preached at many other churches when needed. During all of this time, he also volunteered at the Heart of Texas Baptist Encampment in the Mission Service Corps, helped build churches in Mexico, and was the co-founder of Morningside Baptist Church in Levelland, Texas. He served as Deacon in his home churches throughout his adult life.

He was a lifetime member of the Masonic Lodge and the recipient of the Golden Trowel Award for exceptional service. He was a Past Master multiple times and was a 32nd degree Mason. In addition, he was a member of the Order of Eastern Star and served as Worthy Patron for over ten years.

At age three, he worked a team of two horses in the fields which led to him becoming a quality farmer at a young age. This led him to be a hard-working man throughout his life. He married O. Christelle Eudy on November 16, 1945 and was known as a devoted and loving husband. Allan Gilbert then became the devoted father to four children: Sherry Clark and husband Doug of Early, Texas; Joan Smith and husband Larry of Rockport, Texas; Gary Gilbert and wife Debi of Alvarado, Texas; and Vince Gilbert and wife Kristy of Pottsville, Texas. His grandchildren include: Kim Bird and husband Erin, Matthew Clark and wife Jennifer, Quentin Clark and wife Shanna, Allan Whitehead and wife Alisha, Tyna Allen and husband Mason, Wendell Gilbert and wife Denise, David Gilbert and wife Stephanie, Christina Sutter and husband Brandon, Crystal Gilbert, Christopher Gilbert and wife Yolanda, Richard Gilbert, Casey Gilbert and wife Amanda, Brittani Smith and husband Kody, and Halye Gilbert. Great-grandchildren are: Morgan and Drew Bird, Allison Clark, Landon and Sydney Clark, Paige and Maddyysson Whitehead, Ian McDonald, Chance Allen, Micah and Caleb Gilbert, Austin and Tristan Gilbert, Steven Craig, Katelynn Horrell-Gilbert, Joshua and Mikhaila Sutter, Obidiah Pruitt, Zoey and Zaydee Gilbert, and Cian and Karamie Gilbert. He is also survived by brothers Mickey Gilbert, wife Sandy, and family of Livingston, Texas; Ronnie Gilbert, wife Sandy, and family of Post, Texas; and sister-in-law Ladois West of Pottsville, Texas. There are also numerous nieces and nephews.

Allan Gilbert was a Christian, husband, Daddy, Papa, teacher, preacher, role model, protector, missionary, server, and will be dearly missed.

The pallbearers were his brother Masons and all twelve of his grandsons were honorary pallbearers.

Luke 1:76-79

And thou, child, shalt be called the prophet of the Highest: for thou shalt go before the face of the Lord to prepare his ways; To give knowledge of salvation unto his people by the remission of their sins, Through the tender mercy of our God; whereby the dayspring from on high hath visited us, To give light to them that sit in darkness and [in] the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.

Arrangements under the direction of Riley Funeral Home, Hamilton, Texas.