Wilbert Gilbeaux, Sr.

It is with heavy hearts that we share with you that our father, grandfather, uncle, brother-in-law and friend, Wilbert Gilbeaux, Sr., passed away peacefully on Nov. 9, 2021.

Funeral services will be held at Union Baptist Church in Jennings at 11 a.m. Friday, Nov. 12, 2021. The viewing will be held from 8-11 a.m.

Burial will follow in Our Lady of Perpetual Help Cemetery.

Wilbert was born in Lake Arthur on Sept. 20, 1936, to Harry Gilbeaux, Sr., and Mamie Keogh Gilbeaux.

Wilbert was valedictorian of his class at Jeff Davis Parish Training School in 1955. He received his bachelor’s degree and master’s degree at Southern University, and his plus-30 graduate hours at Colorado State University. He then went on to serve our country honorably as a lieutenant in the U.S. Army before starting his career in education.

He worked for Jefferson Davis Parish School Board for over 30 years. He first served as a math teacher, became assistant principal at Jennings High School and then principal at both Central Elementary and Welsh Elementary.

After his retirement, he and his brothers opened Gilbeaux Brothers Construction. Wilbert also served as a deacon at Union Baptist Church, as well as on the Jennings City Council. He was a member of the Masonic Order Mount Olive Lodge No. 202. He was also involved in numerous other civic organizations in his community.

His greatest joy came from time spent with his family, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Wilbert was a kind and generous man who was loved by many and will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.

Wilbert is survived by his son, Wilbert Gilbeaux, Jr. (Lorena); his daughter, Erika (Deon) Williams; his grandchildren, Courtney (Craig) Coutee, Donavon (Krista) Thibodeaux, Jade and Jaxon Gilbeaux; and his great-grandchildren, Riley, Jaden, and Conner Coutee and Dallas Thibodeaux.

Wilbert was preceded in death by his wife, Maynell Gilbeaux; his daughter, Bridget Gilbeaux Thibodeaux; his parents, Harry and Mamie Gilbeaux; three brothers, Clovis (Celestine), Ray (Louella) and Harry (Rose); three sisters, Clossie (Eugene) Gaul, Deridder (Melvin) Johnnie and Jeanette (Fedelis) Goodwin; and his inlaws, Clarence (Essie) Dartez.