Gilberto Beto S. Trevino

Gilberto “Beto” Stephenson Treviño, 86, of San Antonio, Texas, passed away suddenly and unexpectedly on Monday, March 28, 2011. He suffered a massive cerebral hemorrhage and died at Northeast Baptist Hospital in San Antonio. Gil was born in Laredo, Texas on January 11, 1925. His mother, Stella Stephenson and father, Geronimo Treviño preceded him in death. He was the youngest of 6 brothers: Lalo, Eduardo, Raul, Alfredo and Geronimo II. All preceded him in death.

He is survived by his precious, loving wife of 51 years, Christine Van Dam Treviño; their two children and their spouses: daughter and son-in-law Elisa Treviño and Douglas Thompson of League City, Texas and son and daughter-in-law, Gilbert Stephen and Susan Stanley Treviño of Manasas, Virginia; and by his six grandchildren: Katherine Joy, Benjamin Dallas, and Nathaniel Christian Thompson; Matthew Stephenson, Samantha Lynn, and Nicholas Paul Treviño. Gil graduated from Martin High School in Laredo, Texas in 1942 and went on to attend Texas A&M University. His college education was interrupted by WWII. He enlisted in the US Marine Corps and served as a PFC in the Pacific theater. His unit, the Ninth Marines 3rd Marine Division, earned a Presidential Citation for extraordinary heroism for their service during the battle of Iwo Jima. After WWII he joined the Army reserves, returned to his studies at Texas A&M and was admitted to the College of Veterinary Medicine. After graduating with a DVM in 1952 Gil entered private practice in California and El Paso, Texas. He returned to Texas A&M as an instructor and went on to earn his Master of Science in Veterinary Medicine and Surgery majoring in dermatology. The College of Veterinary Medicine honored Gil as the outstanding teacher in 1957, and as an outstanding alumnus in 2003. In 1959, Gil became an Active Duty officer in the Army where he served proudly for 27 years. He served on active duty in the military during three wars: WWII, Korea and Vietnam. He was stationed in Washington D.C., Japan, Kentucky, Michigan, Maryland, and Colorado. He was the first Army Veterinarian selected to be trained as a pathologist. In 1963, he was sent to Michigan State University where he earned a PhD in pathology and later became a Board Certified Veterinary Pathologist. During his time in the Army, Gil earned many commendations including the Legion of Merit for his work as the first military Liaison Officer to Emergency Programs representing the Department of Defense. During his final assignment, he established the US Army Forces Command (FORSCOM) Animal Disease Eradication Plan. In 1976, Gil returned to Texas A&M University, this time as Director of the Institute of Tropical Veterinary Medicine and graduate pathology professor. In 1981, he retired from the University and returned to Laredo where he raised cattle, began a custom mesquite furniture business and worked as a substitute veterinarian. In 2000, Gil and Christine moved to the Towers in San Antonio, Texas while continuing to raise his prized cattle in Laredo. In 2001, he became a member of the Sons of the American Revolution. Gil has been described as a true Renaissance Man. He was teacher, student, fisherman, fisher of men, hunter, rancher, farmer, doctor, writer/author, scientist, coach, singer, comedian, civic leader, world traveler, soldier, war hero, builder, artisan, and best friend. He was generous and loving and lived life fully. He was a devoted husband, wonderful father and proud grandfather. He was loved and will be missed by many. A celebration of Gil’s life will be held at The Towers on Monday, April 4, 2011 at 1:00 p.m. Military honors will be held in late June. A tribute will be held in Laredo, Texas at a future date. The family wishes to thank the security staff of the Towers, the emergency medical team, and the staff of Northeast Baptist Hospital for their great compassion and mercy. They request that in lieu of flowers donations be made to the Wounded Warrior Project (www.woundedwarriorproject.org) or a charity of your choice.

Arrangements under the direction of Sunset Funeral Home, San Antonio, TX.