Wesley Benton Gilbreath Sr.

Wesley Benton Gilbreath, Sr., beloved husband, father and grandfather passed away peacefully at his home on Sunday, the 13th of January 2013, while watching the Texans football game. Although in declining health for several years, Wes kept his quick wit, many times laughing at his struggles.

Wes was born to Elliot and Clara Fletcher Gilbreath in Coryell County Texas, on the 6th of January 1929. Although his birth was during the worst depression in American history, Wes never allowed those circumstances to keep him from success. His entire life revolved around taking the negatives and turning them into positives for himself, his family, his community and friends. A graduate of Gatesville High School, Wes went on to serve in the U.S. Army at Fort Bliss during the Korean War. Wes would later study accounting at the University of Houston while working full time at Folgers Coffee Co. Later, he would become the accountant at Key Oil Company on Lawndale.

In November 1964, Wes founded SignAd Outdoor Advertising Company. For nearly fifty years, Wes Gilbreath was instrumental in advancing Texas’ economic growth through real estate, land development and entrepreneurial endeavors. In 1990, he retired leaving a thriving business that his children own and operate today.

Wes was very active in politics that supported conservative values. He also served as CEO and Chairman of the Board for KSBJ, a Christian Radio station which is now received all over the world through the internet. Additionally, Wes, supported his wife, Pat, in her ministry that included hosting a local community forum talk program, “A Chat with Pat.” As an avid reader with a thirst for knowledge, Wes went on to establish a scholarship fund, “The Wes Gilbreath Spirit Award.” It awards two scholarships annually to graduates of Gatesville High School. The lives that Wes Gilbreath touched through his success and wisdom is far reaching…as his was a life of giving to his church, business, community and country.

Coryell County Museum in Gatesville became one of his last projects and passion. This bit of Texas history now hosts The Texas Spur Collection which is considered the largest in America. This collection was donated by Lloyd Mitchell, his high school coach.

Wes is survived by his wife, Patsy D. Gilbreath; and three sons, Lee, and wife, Mary of Sugar Land; Wes, and wife, Lisa of Spring; Brett, and wife, Donna of Friendswood; three daughters, Lisa Gilbreath Horan of Houston, Sheree Metoyer of Huffman, and Stacey, and husband, Rick Powell of Beach City. He leaves behind fifteen grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren; and two sisters, Dollie Shepherd of Dallas, and Ruth Jones of Gatesville. He is also survived by his step- children, Pam, and husband, Fred Chambers of Beaumont, Gordon Upchurch, and wife, Sylvia of Houston, Karla, and husband, Mike Hoy of League City, Melinda, and husband, Rick Hoyer of Crosby, Phillip Upchurch, and wife, Arlene of Webster, Lisa, and husband, Gene Barnette of Sugar Land, and Bob Upchurch, and wife, Leslie of League City. He has sixteen surviving step-grandchildren and nine step-great grandchildren.

Friends are cordially invited to a visitation with the family from five o’clock in the afternoon until eight o’clock in the evening on Thursday, the 17th of January, in the Jasek Chapel of Geo. H. Lewis & Sons, 1010 Bering Drive in Houston.

A funeral service is to be conducted at eleven o’clock in the morning on Friday, the 18th of January, also in the Jasek Chapel of Geo. H. Lewis & Sons, where the Rev. Fred Chambers and the Rev. Mike Smith are to officiate.

Immediately following, all are invited to greet the family during a reception to be held at a venue announced at the service.

At a later date, the family is to gather for an interment at Flint Creek Cemetery in Gatesville, Texas.

In lieu of customary remembrances, the family kindly suggests contributions be directed to The Wes Gilbreath Spirit Award, 311 S. Lovers Ln., Gatesville, TX, 76528.