Gilbert Cantwell

Husband, Father, Grandfather, Uncle, and Friend to many… And so it has come to pass that Houston Gilbert Cantwell, age 87, having completed all the designs and commands of the Divine Architect and Master, joyfully joined his brethren and family in paradise on Sunday, July 6, 2014 in Austin, TX.

Born May 27, 1927 to Houston Cantwell and Ethel Rogers Cantwell, Gilbert was a lifetime resident of Austin, TX and was a devout member and Past Master of Hill City Masonic Lodge, Shriners, Knights Templar, and a Deacon at Crestview Baptist Church, all in Austin. Gilbert served in the Army in Japan during WWII and returned home as a public servant with the Texas Highway Department and City of Austin. After retiring from the City of Austin Utility Department, Gilbert enjoyed his golden years by lovingly caring for his grandchildren, serving his church community, and exercising his mechanical mastery by restoring antique cars, a passion he readily passed on to those he influenced.

Gilbert is preceded in death by his precious wife, Kathryn Carter Cantwell and daughter Kathy Cantwell Rackley and three brothers, Howard B. Cantwell, Lonnie Cantwell, and John Wesley Cantwell.

Gilbert is survived by his treasured grandchildren Amy Schneider Barnett of Temple, TX, Adam Hermes of Burnet, TX, and Bryce Rackley of Watauga, TX as well as his great grandchildren and bright stars of his life, Avreah “Dollie” Schneider and Allen “Little Joe Cartwright” Ross of Temple, TX and Andrew “Smiley” Hermes, and Ava Hermes of Burnet, TX. Gilbert also leaves behind one brother, Floyd “Jack” Cantwell of Briggs, TX and a sister, Dora Lee Welch of Waco, TX as well as countless nieces, nephews, and friends.

The family will receive visitors at Cook Walden Funeral Home at 6100 N Lamar Blvd in Austin, TX on Sunday, July 13 from 3 to 5 pm. A celebration of Gilbert’s life will take place at 10 am on Monday, July 14 at Crestview Baptist Church 7600 Woodrow Ave Austin, TX . Interment will follow immediately thereafter at Austin Memorial Park facilitated by Mr. Cantwell’s Masonic brethren.

…My Darling Wife, we have paid the fiddler and given his due. Your journey is no longer lonely as I follow behind you. Each step I take, you have trod the same and I seek you along the path you have laid- just beyond the moon. Listen carefully for I am calling your name.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Knights Templar Eye Foundation through Colorado Commandery #4.