Kerry Ronald Gilbert

Kerry Ronald Gilbert, a key figure in the planning and development in the Greater Houston Area, passed away on March 31, 2026 doing what he loved, cruising with his wife, Joy. Kerry was born in Houston, TX on September 29, 1950 to Carl and Vesta Gilbert. Kerry dedicated his life to his family and shaping the communities where thousands of families now reside.

Kerry attended Spring Woods High School graduating in 1969 and the University of Houston College of Architecture. During his studies, Kerry discovered his passion for site design and land planning. With encouragement from his professor Burdette Keeland, Kerry joined the City of Houston’s Planning Department in 1972 as a draftsman. Under the mentorship of James C. Box, Kerry quickly rose to the position of Assistant Director, where he was instrumental in writing Chapter 42, the city’s development ordinance, and led numerous legislative efforts on behalf of the City of Houston.

In 1985, Kerry decided to enter the private sector and co-founded his own land planning firm, Kerry R. Gilbert & Associates, Inc. along with his partner Bruce Batts. His work helped create many well-known and award-winning master-planned communities at the local, national, and international level including numerous projects in the greater Houston area such as Cinco Ranch, South Shore Harbour, Kelliwood, Grand Lakes, Shadow Creek Ranch, Cypress Creek Lakes, and Cross Creek Ranch to name a few. Kerry was highly respected by his peers for his deep knowledge of planning and his commitment to quality design. He was active in a number of professional organizations in the Houston area including West Houston Association, Greater Houston Builders Association, was a founding member of the Katy Area Economic Development Corporation, was the 2008 Katy Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Year and then served as the Chamber’s Chairman in 2011-2012.

While Kerry had many professional achievements, his greatest passion was his family. He married his high school sweetheart, Joy, and they shared 57 years of marriage, and he adored their two children, Michelle and Neil. Kerry was the proud grandfather of Cole Stoops and Lennon Gilbert and great-grandfather to Mateo Stoops; sometimes spoiling them too much. Kerry was passionate about his many friendships, music (especially the Beatles), his ranch where he enjoyed watching wildlife and tending to his cattle & horses, following sports of all kinds, and of course travel, which he loved to do with his family. His travels took him to many parts of the world including the Caribbean, Europe, Asia, Africa and even Antarctica.

Kerry is survived by his wife, Joy, his children Michelle Stoops (Matt) and Neil Gilbert, his grandsons Cole Stoops and Lennon Gilbert and great-grandson Mateo Stoops. He also leaves behind his sister Carol Brooks Hiles, brother Mark Gilbert (Debbie), sister-in-law Teresa Gilbert, brother-in-law Don Harmon, and his remaining surviving aunt, Dottie Gilbert, along with numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Kerry was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Bruce Gilbert, sisters-in-law Judy Loveless and June Isbel, brothers-in-law Kenneth Brooks and Robert Hiles, niece Amber Harmon, nephew Scott Brooks, and many other family members which he dearly loved.

Kerry’s legacy will live on in the many neighborhoods he helped plan and in the family he adored.

Visitation will take place at Memorial Oaks Funeral Home, located at 13001 Katy Fwy, Houston, TX 77079 on Friday, April 17, 2026, from 5:00 – 8:00 and Saturday, April 18, 2026 at 1:00 with services beginning at 2:00 led by Pastor Scott Rawlings

Pallbearers: Corey Thompson, Cory Hart, Gene Kazmir, Mark Bender, Micah McMahon, and Ryan Gilbert

Honorary Pallbearers: Cole Stoops, Dennis Boldger, Lennon Gilbert, Mark Mayrsohn, Mateo Stoops, Don Harmon, Michael Clements and Perry Seeberger

In lieu of flowers the family requests contributions to: Living Stones Church, 9722 Gaston Rd., Suite 150-115, Katy, TX 77494-7941,(memo Building Fund), or a charity of your choice