Gilbert Carrillo

On December 5, 1940, Gilbert (Gibby) Carrillo was born to loving parents in El Paso, Texas. For the last 27 years he lived in Houston, Texas with his devoted wife, Faviola (Vanessa) Carrillo. On Saturday, August 18, 2018, Gibby passed away at the age of 77.

He will be fondly remembered as a loving husband, wonderful father, grandfather, great- grandfather and brother, and a true friend. He adored, protected, and lived for his family. In his younger years, he loved to drag race and won several trophies. He also enjoyed building model airplanes. Every Sunday, he would drive to the airport and spend hours upon hours watching airplanes depart and arrive. He never missed a Blue Angels or Thunderbirds air show. He was a military plane aficionado. Throughout his life, he loved to sing along to every song on a road trip. He loved music of a variety of genres, but in particular Mariachi and oldies. His grandchildren will remember flying kites, feeding the ducks, visits to Galveston, Six Flags AstroWorld and Kemah, and ice cream trips. His youngest grandson appointed him as the designated stick keeper for the random sticks and twigs they would find along the way during their walks. Gibby diligently took care to not drop a single one, while his grandson proudly walked beside him carrying a single large stick. He took great delight in pranking his younger sister, Bertha, and his daughters. His love for Shipley Do-Nuts and Chico’s Tacos will live on in his children and grandchildren. He will be most remembered for his hearty laugh, joking personality and jovial manner. He will be greatly missed by all who loved and knew him.

He is survived by his wife, Vanessa; his mother-in-law, Sara Lupe Alvarado, his daughters, Valerie Carrillo-Dugas and her husband, Lonnie Dugas; Jessica Carrillo; Yrasema (Sema) Gregorski and her husband, Kenneth (Ken) Gregorski; his sons, Gustavo Mendez, Marc Carrillo, and Robert Mendez; grandchildren, Houston Dugas, Kenneth (Kenny) Gregorski, Gabriella Gregorski, Isabella (Bella) Mendez, Isaac Mendez, Victoria (Tori) Mendez, and Gilbert (Adrian) Mendez; great-grandchildren, Valencia Harper and Nathaniel Romero; four sisters and three brothers; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and other loved ones.

He was preceded in death by his father-in-law, Juan Manuel Alvarado, his parents, Fernando and Eugenia (Chena) Carrillo; and three sisters and four brothers.

Visitation will be on Friday, August 24, 2018 from 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM at Garden Oaks Funeral Home located 13430 Bellaire Boulevard. The family will then honor Gibby’s request to be cremated.