He is preceded in death by parents Pedro & Eulalia (Meija) Najera; daughter Linda Najera; brothers Alfonso and Edward Najera; and sister Florinda Contreras.
Gilbert was born in Malakoff, TX, a coal mining community where his father was a coalminer. His family moved to Laredo TX whereas a young boy he would sell chicle (gum) on the Mexican border bridge for a nickel and had a paper route for extra money. At the age of 13 his family moved to Dallas. When he was 15 years old, he began working for A&P Bakery. He worked there until he was drafted and served in the Army for 2 years. He returned to A&P after his service completed and worked over 25 years until the bakery closed. While working at the bakery he also worked part-time at Fox Photo. He worked for Oroweat bakery for 25 plus years until he retired in 1995. After retiring he worked at Sam’s Warehouse for ten years. In the summer of 1955, he met Esther, the love of his life. They were married on December 31st, 1955. He loved dancing, cooking out and spending time with family. Dad always had an open-door policy if anyone needed help or a place to stay, he was more than happy to help. He had a big caring heart, but mama said sometimes he had too much of a caring heart. He loved his family and had a special love for his nephew that helped him while he was ill. He was proud to be a grandpa and even more excited to be a great grandpa.
He is survived by his wife of 64 years Maria Esther Najera. Children Cynthia Navarro (d. Ruben), Paul Rene Najera (Lynne), Rosa Najera, Maria Lopez (Thomas). Grandchildren Victoria Gaines, Stephen Gaines, Gilbert Najera, Michael Lopez (Belinda), Adam Lopez, Matthew Najera, Nicholas Navarro, Anthony Lopez (Sarah), Sheridan Najera and Katharine Navarro. Great grandchildren Grayson Lopez and Tobias Navarro. Siblings Maria Valle, Alicia Guerro, Pedro Najera Jr., Concha Najera, Margaret Barrera. Several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Public viewing will be held Wednesday, January 6 from 5:00-7:00 pm and a Rosary at 7:00 pm at Sparkman-Crane Funeral home, 10501 Garland Rd, Dallas TX. Catholic mass will be celebrated at 10:00 am Thursday, January 7 at St. Patrick Catholic Church, 9643 Ferndale Rd. Dallas TX. Burial to follow at Calvary Hill Cemetery, 3235 Lombardy Lane, Dallas, TX.
