Gilbert John Repa

Gilbert John Repa, age 88, passed away peacefully on July 30, 2026. The son of Paul and Frances (Pekar) Repa was born on April 29, 1938, in Granger, Texas. Gilbert was the youngest of nine children. He was a lifelong resident of Granger, dedicated member of Sts. Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church, and proud graduate of Granger High School.

On November 23, 1958, Gilbert married his high school sweetheart, May Belle Cervenka, and began to build their lives on the family farm. They were blessed with four sons, Gerry, Kevin, Donald, and Daryl, along with a beautiful extended family over their 67 years of marriage. He and May Belle enjoyed several trips overseas, including a trip to the Vatican.

Gilbert was the epitome of hard work, dedication, and love. As a skilled farmer, he took immense pride in the crops he grew and the cattle he raised. He spent over 60 years building a successful plumbing and air conditioning business that served the greater central Texas area. He enjoyed meeting the needs of his customers. Gilbert found great satisfaction in volunteering and giving service to the Catholic church and community. He was always willing to stop what he was doing in order to help someone else, including opening his shop to provide space for meetings, and events such as Homecoming/Lakefest, cook-offs, and the Booster Club.

He was involved in many community organizations and activities. His distinguished service included: Young Farmers, SSCM Church Initial Lector and Choir Member, Granger Jaycees, Granger Volunteer Fire Department, Johns Community Hospital Foundation Board, SSCM Catholic School PTC Member, hosting KJT Fishing Contests at Repa Lake, Granger City Council, Mayor Pro-Tem for 13 years, Boy Scout Troop 173, Scoutmaster for 13 years, Granger Community Booster Club Charter Member, First State Bank-Granger Board of Directors for 30 years, Ducks Unlimited Officer-Taylor Chapter, Granger Lions Club, Granger Knights of Columbus-3rd and 4th Degree Knight, KC Bingo Crew, and Providence Funeral Homes Board of Directors.

Gilbert loved the outdoors and was an avid hunter and fisherman. He enjoyed spending time at the deer lease and traveling to Colorado to hunt mule deer. His other interests included fishing in Alaska, off the Gulf Coast, and on the San Gabriel River, as well as on many other lakes across the state.

There were numerous duck, dove, quail, and turkey hunts that he enjoyed with family and friends. He had plenty of stories to tell about the ones that got away and the ones that were caught.

Gilbert is survived by his loving wife, May Belle, sons Gerry (Lisa), Kevin (Joyce), Donald, and Daryl (Shelly). He also leaves behind grandchildren, Daphney (Chuck), Casey, Sierra, Paul, Morgan (Dawson), Dakota (Natasha), and Garret; great-grandchildren, Graham, Birdie, Tripp, Marie, Elle, and Reverie. Gilbert is also survived by sisters Sybil Naizer, Dorothy (Lawrence) Rozacky and sister-in-law Bettye Bartosh.

Pallbearers are Chuck Tankersley, Dawson Weaver, Paul Repa, Dakota Repa, Garret Repa, Lance Lane, Graham Tankersley and Tripp Holly. Honorary Pallbearers are Gary Gaida, Bobby Gaida, Frankie Limmer, Leonard Huf, and present and past employees of Repa Plumbing & A/C, LLC.

In lieu of flowers, memorials will be accepted in Gilbert’s memory to the Sts Cyril and Methodius Trust Fund, PO Box 608, Granger, TX 76530; St Mary’s Catholic School, 520 Washburn St., Taylor, TX 76574; or to the Granger Volunteer Fire Department, PO Box 714, Granger, TX 76530, or the charity of your choice.