Alan was born Sept 4, 1949 in Brookline, Massachusetts and adopted to Alfred and Virginia GIELBUNT of North Andover, Massachusetts just months after his birth. He graduated from Haverhill High School in Haverhill, Massachusetts and joined the US Army in January 1967. He honorably served as a paratrooper in Viet Nam and retired with the rank of SP5. Alan was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, Viet Nam Service Medal with 2 bronze service stars, Republic of Viet Nam Campaign Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Sharpshooter M16, Expert Rifleman M14 and Purple Heart. After his service in VietNam, he was transferred to Ft Hood, Texas as US Army Reserves through 1/31/1975.
While in Ft Hood and through his friendship with Walt and Rita Saverse, he met and fell in love with Rebecca Royce Richey of Bartlett at a picnic. They were married a short time later at the First Baptist Church of BARTLETT on March 31, 1972. Alan worked as a welder and continued his education earning his petroleum engineering degree from the University of Houston. Alan worked in the petroleum industry until his retirement in February 2013.
Alan is survived by his wife Royce of 46 years, 2 sons, Bryan Hicks (Vera) of Cedar Hill and Adam GIELBUNT (Keri) of Bartlett, two daughters, Melissa Rafay (Randy) of Bartlett and Amy Degollado (Jimmy) of North RICHLAND Hills, Texas, 11 Grandsons, 4 Granddaughters, 10 Great grandchildren plus one on the way, and one sister, Lois Davis of Middleton, CT. He is also survived by numerous extended and friends all over the world. Alan was preceded in death by his parents Alfred and Virginia Gielbunt.
Visitation will be held on Thursday April 5, 2018 from 6pm to 8pm at Goodnight Funeral Home in Bartlett, TX. Funeral services will be held on Friday April 6, 2018 at 10 am at The First Baptist Church in Bartlett, TX. Burial will follow at Valverde Cemetery.
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