Roy David Gilbreath

Roy David Gilbreath was born to Andrew and Maggie Gilbreath on November 4, 1933, in Yantis, Texas. As the second youngest of nine children, his arrival was met with a bit of sibling surprise; his older sister, having already welcomed five brothers, had been hoping for a sister. Upon learning she had another brother named Roy, she declared she would instead call him “Mickey Mouse” (after the character created in 1928). From that day forward, he was known simply as “Mouse” to his friends and family.

Knowing early on that a life of farming was not his calling, Roy left Yantis for Dallas, where he worked at the Sears Roebuck warehouse. He eventually moved to Fort Worth to be near family and attended Texas Wesleyan College (TWC) for several months before being drafted into the U.S. Navy. He proudly served his country in the Beachmasters Unit until the completion of his tour of duty.

Upon returning to Fort Worth, Roy joined the Fort Worth Fire Department, where he spent 30 years protecting the community. Most of his career was spent at Fire Station #2, the Main Station on Cherry Street. Over the years, he became the designated cook for his shift, famously known among his fellow firefighters for his "stew days." Among the most notable calls of his career, Roy often recalled the meatpacking plant fires on the North Side and the Delta Flight 191 crash at DFW in 1985.

Roy was a man of many trades and deep commitments. A 65-year Master Mason, he was also a member of the Moslah Shrine Temple and the Scottish Rite. To provide for his family, he stayed busy on his days off—taking up beekeeping, operating a moving company with a fellow firefighter, and tackling various odd jobs.

In 1961, Roy married the love of his life, Cecelia, after being introduced by his niece. Together, they shared 65 years of marriage and enjoyed many memorable vacations traveling with their family.

Roy is survived by his beloved wife, Cecelia; his two children, Richard and Lisa; three grandchildren, Charles, Patrick, and Erin; and two great-grandchildren, Jack and Ellis; as well as dozens of nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers or gifts, the family requests that donations be made in Roy’s memory to the Fort Worth Firefighters Museum, PO Box 10521, Fort Worth, TX 76114, fwffmuseum.org.

Memorial Services are pending until further notice.