Gil Gerlich

Gilbert “Gil” Martin Gerlich, of Baytown, Texas, went to be with his Lord on Wednesday, May 21, 2025, at the age of 88.

On Sunday, April 4, 1937, Gil was born in Hallettsville, Texas to William James Gerlich and Justina Orsak Gerlich. He was of Czech descent and if his last name didn’t give it away, his love of Polka music, sausage, kolaches, and a strong sense of community through church would.

He grew up on the family farm with his parents, two older sisters, and lots of dogs. The family raised cotton, and he was introduced to music, particularly the trumpet, by his father. He would go on to play with his dad’s Polka band all over Texas, including Houston’s legendary Bill Mraz Dance Hall. He may have been the baby brother, but the love and support he gave to his sisters throughout their lives was extraordinary.

In 1955, along with 33 other classmates, Gil graduated from high school at Hallettsville’s Sacred Heart Catholic School. He attended St. Mary’s University and was a member of Delta Epsilon Sigma and the ROTC. After earning his bachelor’s degree in accounting in 1959, he served in the U.S. Army Reserve for eight years before retiring as a captain.

During a visit to Baytown to see his sister in 1960, Gil’s brother-in-law took Gil to work with him and introduced him to Humble Oil and Refining Company (now Exxon Mobil Corporation) personnel, who immediately offered Gil a position as an accountant. This began his professional career with the oil giant. After retiring from the company in 1992, he kept up his sharp accounting skills by providing pro-bono bookkeeping and tax services for family, friends, and anyone who needed help.

Over the years, Gil supported others in his community with his gifts, time, and talents. He was associated with the Baytown chapter of the American Diabetes Association, Baytown Symphony, Kiwanis Club of Baytown, Bay Area Heritage Society of Baytown, Lifeline Baytown, The 100 Club, Knights of Columbus - San Jacinto Council #2788, the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life, and the Pilot Club of Baytown among others. He served his church, St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, as chairman of their annual FEASTival fundraiser for more than a decade.

Gil's hobbies and interests revolved around his family. He enjoyed fishing, bowling, playing dominoes, and traveling. He always had a dog in his lap and a beautiful smile on his face. His love for music was something he shared with his children, leaving fond and moving memories with them that will never fade.

In his last few years of his life, Gil found even deeper joy and love from a quieter life at home. He took great pleasure in visiting with those who stopped by to see him and “Lady Helen,” as he called her. Their conversations usually were about family, politics, and Houston sports, and they always included a cup or two of coffee. Although he didn’t always attend church every week, his strong faith sustained and enriched his life each day as he watched mass on television.

Gil left a legacy of great love. In his 88 years of an extraordinary and productive life, he held many titles — son, brother, hero, husband, dad, papa, uncle, colleague, and friend. He was loyal and honest. Gil truly had a heart of gold, always looking out for others, lending a listening ear or his arms for a hug. He wasn’t just there — he was fully present all the time. And most of all he lived his own remarkable and exemplary life as a blessing to others.

He will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 25-plus years, Helen Gerlich; his six children, Michelle Funk (Doug); Gerald “Jerry” Gerlich (Kelly); Jim Gerlich (Kim); Kevin Gerlich; Laura Estes (Tim); and Susan Emfinger Scott (Wesley); his 11 grandchildren, Allie Funk, Charles Gerlich, Jackson Gerlich, Trey Gerlich, Grace Baros (Weston), Morgan Hatfield (Zachary), Adrianna Bisping, Alexander Gerlich, Ashlea Sherman (Dustin), Eric Estes, and Jon Scott (Kaleigh); his six great-grandchildren, Von Baros, Harvey Baros, Grandin Sherman, Saylor Sherman, August Scott, and Georgia Scott; his two nieces, Sharon Jacobs (Larry) and Darlene Taylor; his former wife, Marjorie Gerlich; and his fluffy companion, Precious.

In Heaven, Gil joins his parents, William James and Justina Orsak Gerlich; sisters and brothers-in-law, Gladys Hagan (Raymond) and Geraldine Taylor (Waymon “Joe”); wife, Carol Gerlich; and two grandsons, Jordan Funk and Samuel “Sam” Scott.

A visitation will be held on Wednesday, May 28, 2025, from 5 until 7 p.m., with a rosary service immediately following at Navarre Funeral Home, 2444 Rollingbrook Drive, Baytown, Texas. A funeral mass will occur Thursday, May 29, 2025, at 10 a.m. at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, 800 W. Baker Road, Baytown, Texas. A committal service will follow at Earthman Memory Gardens Cemetery, 8624 Garth Road, Baytown, Texas.Please join Gil’s loved ones to honor and celebrate his beautiful life.

The family would like to thank Gil’s doctors and care team members, especially Janet Zachery, who gave tireless attention and companionship to him over the last several months.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Gil’s memory may be made to St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, the American Cancer Society, or Shriners International.