Chester Arnold Gilbert of Cypress, Texas passed away peacefully in his home on April 13, 2026.

Services will be held on April 21, 2026 at Houston National Cemetery at 12:45 p.m. 10410 Veterans Memorial Dr., Houston, TX 77038

Gil was born in Trinity, Texas. He played football for and graduated from Trinity High School in 1949. Gil also served in the United States Army, belonged to The Lion’s Club, and later went to work for H.J. Jeffries Truckline, Sansabelt, Beck & Masten, and Parkway Chevrolet. Gil (aka Papa) loved spending time with his children and grandchildren. He always took pride in his yard, loved watching old westerns and football. He also loved to decorate his yard at Christmastime and as well as attending the annual high school reunions in Trinity. Gil is preceded in death by his parents, Herbert Sr. & Helen Gilbert; brother, Herbert Gilbert Jr.; sister, Norma Rachal; son, Gregory Gilbert and grandson, Jeremy Gilbert. He is survived by his wife, Marilyn Akery Gilbert; brother, Russell (Jane) Gilbert; sister, Edna Hansford; sister-in-law, Bonnie Gilbert; brother-in-law, Herman Rachal (Willie Mae); son, Mark (Pam) Gilbert; daughter, Kelley (Jay) Hatler; daughter, Leslie Gilbert (Doug Robinson); and Michelle (Curtis) Hollingsworth; and daughter-in-law, Rhonda Gilbert. He is also survived by10 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren.