Paw-Paw,
As I think back on a lot of my memories, the ones that "stick out" most are times when we were together. On my bad days you always knew what to do to make me feel better. And on my good days you were the one to make them great. You didn't have to do a lot of the things you did, but I know that family always came first with you. No matter what you were going thru personally, as long as we were happy that is all that mattered. You were a one-of-a-kind person and I am honored to have had you as my Paw-Paw.

Our deepest condolences to the family.  Mr. Gilbert was our neighbor and we always enjoyed seeing him watering his yard and taking his walk to the mailbox each day.  He was just a cool man!

Jason and Lisa Suydam

A Tribute to My Friend
As I searched for a card today to give to Wesley's family after his passing this morning, I relized that there is not a card that could expressmy feelings. So, I am writing my own. Wesley was a gentle, soft-spoken man, so I will try to pay him a tribute as we all say goodbye to him.
I first met Wesley about 12 years ago when he and his wife moved into the house on the corner of our street, San Felipe. We had a commom mailbox for the houses on our street, and it was mid-way in between our two houses, so we would often meet when we would each walk to get out mail in the late afternoons. Later on, I would say hello to him as I was walking our black lab around the block; he was usually out watering his law or mowing the grass. One day, I stopped and chatted with him and asked about his wife, and he told me she had fallen and broken her arm, and she didn't leave the house much. A few weeks, later, I asked if I could go inside to say hello to her. That's when I met Eveline. In the following months, I would stop in occasionally and say hello to her, and later visited her in the nursing home on Rock Praire.
The thing I remember most about Wesley during those years, was how he cared for Eveline, as her health declined. Every single day, without fail, Wesley would visit her. He would sit with her, usually not talking much at all, but he would just BE THERE. She knew he was there, and he never missed his daily visits. One holiday (I can't rememberif it was Father's Day, or Valentine's Day or his birthday) I bought a card for her to give to him. I read it to her, then asked her what she wanted me to write on the card before giving it to him, because she wasn't able to write. She said, "Write THANK YOU for coming to visit me." And I did.
Wesley never complained. Never. I often wold call him and tell him I would be bringing him supper that night, usually a plate of whatever we were having. He would say, "Oh don't bother with me. That's too much trouble for you." But as soon as I would get close to his front door, he would be there waiting, with the door open, ready with a big smile on his face! Ready to eat some good home-cooked food. Once I was talking with him, and the subject of breakfast came up, and we got to talking about eggs, bacon, and biscuits. He said he didn't cook anymore, and he couldn't even remember tha last time he had eggs. So the next Saturday I took him a hot plate of scrambled eggs, bacon, & biscuits. He loved that. He loved cornbread, beans meatloaf, and especially cake of cookies. He loved my cherry pie, too. I took his food in disposable butter containers, or a Cool Whip dish, intending for his to throw it away, but whe I would come again, he would always hand me the last container-all washed up and ready for the next visit!
He Loved my hugs. In the last year, I would try to make a point to gine his a few more hugs and a kiss on his cheek and told him I loved him. He didn't want me to rush off, so I tried to stay a few extra minutes. He never complained about anything at all. Wesley was a sweet, quiet, very gentle man, who loved his family-he loved to talk about his son, Charles.
I feel very blessed to have known this kind man who was much more than a neighbor. I learned that taking the time to share a plate of food was a much bigger blessing to me than to hime. About 3 months ago, I told him again that he was such a good man, and I always appreciated watching him take such good care of his wife in those last few hard years. He said, "Thank you. I always tried to treat other people the way I want to be treated." So, that's what I hope I was able to do for him, and I am greatful to God for the friendship I had in this wonderful neighbor.

Dad,
You are the most Christ-like man I have ever known. I have always aspired to have your patience, temperment, and kindness. I can not remember a time when you ever raised your voice in anger towards anyone. My constant prayer to God when I have fallen short is to make me more like my Dad. Your faith was expressed by your lifestyle more than your attendance to church and to me that makes it even more honest and real. Thank you for always being there for me. See you soon.
Heaven is now an even better place with you there.
Love, Charles

Mr. Gilbert has been my neighbor for over 16 years. He was such a sweet spirited person. I saw him almost daily and enjoyed his sweet smile and conversation on our walks to our mailboxes down the street. I spend a lot of time in my yard, gardening and weeding and he would always gently tease me that I was trying to compete for the nicest yard, and he'd have to try to keep up with me. Always had kind and humorous comments. I will miss him dearly. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family,

Our love & prayers are with all of the family. May you feel the precious arms of Jesus holding each of you. He will surround each with His love and peace!! We send our love and heart felt empathy.. Your father, grandfather, and great Grandfather lived a tremendous life. He will be greatly missed. God bless you all!

Sweet Family, Our thoughts and prayers are with each of you. We are so thankful that Mr. Gilbert is safe in the arms of Jesus.  We'll see you in the morning. Love, The Deckers

OBITUARY

Wesley R. Gilbert

June 9, 1928 – March 12, 2012

Memorial Funeral Chapel—College Station

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