Gilberto Saldaña Ybañez

“For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.”

Gilberto Saldaña Ybañez, God’s humble servant, passed away on Saturday night, August 27th, 2022, in Laredo, Texas and was welcomed into Our Lord’s Kingdom. Gilberto was 85 years old and a lifelong resident of Hebbronville, Texas. Born on June 4th, 1937, Gilberto was a true believer in a firm handshake, being honest, polite and standing by your fellow man in their time of need. He attended Hebbronville High School and was part of an outstanding football team that he always thought of and remembered as being friends. He served in the United States Army and Army Reserves.

In 1972, he attended Laredo Junior College school of law enforcement and became a certified peace officer. In 1979, deciding to advance in his career and become an elected official, he removed himself as a peace officer employee to run for office and was elected as Jim Hogg County Sheriff in 1980. He went on to serve as Sheriff for 20 years until the year 2000. Gilberto was diligently involved in the Texas Sheriffs’ Association and became the first Hispanic to be elected and serve as President of the Association on July 26th, 1995 at the 117th Annual Conference in Waco, Texas. He would often say it was a great honor and privilege to have served as President of the Association, one of the oldest law enforcement Associations in the nation and would always look forward to working with his Board of Directors and to help keep the Association strong and active for the betterment of law enforcement in this great state of Texas.

Sheriff Ybañez was a big supporter of the Jim Hogg County Independent School District and sponsored a great deal of school activities. He was also a big supporter of the D.A.R.E. and P.A.L. programs. He was a member of the Coastal Bend Peace Officers Association since 1973 where he served as President in 1985-1986. Ybanez also served as a member of the Lion’s Club since 1980 where he was President in 1985. He was also part of the American legion.

Gilberto or as he was affectionately known to many, “El Sherife”, was a very kind and gentle man who left a long-lasting impression, was respected by the community he served and who would wave to everyone as he patrolled the streets of Hebbronville. He was always willing to give anyone a second chance.

Gilberto was a loving devoted father, son, brother, grandfather and friend to many people that will be dearly missed by everyone whose life he touched. He will certainly be our guardian angel from heaven.

Gilberto was preceded in death by his mother, Esperanza S. Ybañez; father, Jesus Ybañez; brothers, Jesus Ybañez and Baldemar Ybañez and sister, Palmira Ybañez.

He is survived by the mother of his children, Alicia L. Garcia (+ Hector); sons, Ricardo G. Ybañez (Estela) and Roberto F. Ybañez; granddaughters, Alicia A. Ybañez and Dominique D. Ybañez; brother, Juan Joel Ybañez (Nilda); nephews, Jesse Ybañez (+Iris), Johnny Ybañez (Carmen) and Ivan Ybañez (Clarissa) and nieces, Hope Kelley (Rick Peña) and Melissa Ybañez (Gilbert Benavides).

He is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends.

Pallbearers will be Jesse Ybañez, Johnny Ybañez, Ivan Ybañez, Joel Montalvo, Gerardo Molina and Rosendo B. Molina. Honorary Pallbearers will be Sylvia DeSpain, John Ybañez, Elizabeth “Cissy” Neth, Rodolfo “Rudy” Gutierrez, Samuel “Sammy” Torres and James Novak.

A Rosary will be prayed at 8:30 a.m. on Friday, September 2, 2022 at Funeraria Del Angel Howard Williams in Hebbronville with Visitation beginning at 8:00 a.m. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church. Burial will follow at the New Hebbronville Cemetery.

The family is inviting those who cannot attend the service to join them via live-stream at www.FunerariaDelAngelHWilliams.com or https://www.facebook.com/FDAHowardWilliams.