Gilbert Espinoza

Gilbert Espinoza, age 64, a long time resident of Odessa left to be in the arms of our Savior to find rest after suffering a sudden illness. His departure was in the early hours of December 7, 2010. Gilbert was the son of Manuel and Maria Espinoza. He was born in Alpine, TX on November 30, 1946. He was a 1965 graduate of Ector High School where he was athletic and loved to play football for the “Mighty Ector Eagles.”

Gilbert served our country as a sergeant in the U.S. Air Force and was in Vietnam during the war. Gilbert was a welder by trade and inspired many young men to pursue the trade of welding. In his spare time Gilbert coached numerous young people in the sport of baseball.

Gilbert was loved by many and was a very caring man who gave to those in need without hesitation. He had a free spirit and lived life to the fullest.

Gilbert was preceded in death by his father, Manuel Espinoza and his son, Michael Espinoza both of Odessa.

He is survived by his mother, Maria B. Espinoza, wife, Maria N. Espinoza, daughters, Gio Vonne Mendoza, JoAnn Cortez, sons, Gilbert Espinoza II, Gene Dion Espinoza & Steven Cortez, he had (16) grandchildren & (9) great-grandchildren, (1) brother, Oscar Espinoza of Manhattan, NY, and (2) sisters, Olga Magee of Austin, & Ruby Rodriguez & husband Sonny of Odessa, several aunts, nieces, nephews, cousins and a wealth of friends.

A Rosary service will be held at 7:00 p.m. Thursday, December 9, 2010 at Hubbard-Kelly Funeral Home. A Mass will be celebrated at 2:00 p.m. Friday, December 10, at St Joseph Catholic Church with Father Mark Miller officiating. Interment will follow at Rose Hill Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Eddie Dominguez, David Galindo, Adrian Fuentes, Marcell Smith, Johnny Vidal, & Mike Castillo.

Gilbert may the angels be your guide as they welcome you into paradise.

Services entrusted to Hubbard-Kelly Funeral Home.