Gilbert D. Touchstone

Gilbert Touchstone was a loving husband of 54 years, father and grandfather. He attended St. Mary's School in Taylor where he graduated and was a member of St. Mary's Church all his life. He was in the army and spent some time in Japan. Then he attended Durhams Business school in Austin, hitchiking to and from. He then worked at Industrial Generating Company in Rockdale for 34 years, known to his buddies as Touch or Touchie.

He was always kidding and joking with his family. He gave almost everyone nicknames. Veronica his wife was Girlie Mae, and then later Gran-Gran. Debbie, the oldest daughter, was Migilicutty and then became Beebs or Beebsie, Nancy, the middle daughter was Nandeena, or Deena Bug, or Deena and Renee the youngest, was Mischief Monster, Snookie, Goober and then after age 12 became Bean. He loved his cats always had nicknames for them. Muffin became Petunia and Tuna became Tunie. Tuna was the talking cat. He and Veronica would tell stories of how Tuna would 'talk' and say Gilbert, hello, where you been. He and Veronica were known to many as G and V, especially from Kirby Sakewitz and Betty and Kermit Sakewitz.

He was always an avid Texas Longhorn fan and always watched the games. Even this past week, he was still asking when the first football game was. He loved to wear a Longhorn cap. He loved watching his grandsons Carter and Cullen Sakewitz play baseball. He was often seen throwing a ball with the grandsons in the front yard. He would have his daughters read the Sunday comics and grade them on it. He also had contests with the World Book Encyclopedia seeing who could name all the state capitols, mottos,and flowers. We would fight to sit in his recliner with him.

His favorite pastimes were watching TV, which included a lot of old movies and comedy shows and listening to 40's and 50's music. He loved Frank Sinatra. In the 80's, Debbie and Renee took him to a Madonna concert and then to an Olivia Newton-John concert. He was the oldest person there. He loved Jeopardy and Wheel of Fortune. He and Veronica used to fish years ago at Paradise Point or Volente.When he was healthier he loved playing golf, sometimes several times a week. Now his grandsons have followed in his footsteps. He was able to enjoy a long retirement. He loved his Dr. Pepper, cream of wheat every morning, enchiladas, and most sweets espcially a good pie. As his health declined he still keep a great attitude, smiling and singing his favorite tunes. If you called their house, you would probably hear him singing in the background.

Gilbert will always be remembered for his sense of humor and his easy going nature.

Special thanks to Evelyn Cervenka, their friend who helped them so much the last 6 months. Special thanks to the Meals on Wheels program in Taylor.Thanks to the Scott and White Taylor and Temple Hospitals, and Will O Bell Nursing Home where he had a very short stay. Very Special Thanks go to Dr. Nathan Cohen, whom Dad held in such high regard.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society or the charity of your choice.