Marvin D. Gilbert

Marvin Durwood Gilbert, age 84, of West Columbia, Texas, passed away peacefully at home on May 16, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. Born January 31, 1941, in San Angelo, Texas, Marvin was the only son of Jack and Laura Esther Gilbert.

Marvin is survived by his devoted wife of 61 years, Georgia Lee Gilbert; his children: Duane Gilbert and wife Diane, Melody Cooper, Douglas Gilbert, and Devin Gilbert and girlfriend Kayla Price; his cherished grandchildren: Mark Gilbert and wife Lisa, Michael Gilbert and wife Kailey, Mandy Wise and husband Stephen, Rachel Cooper, Mitchell Gilbert, Josh Cooper, Dakota Gilbert, Hailey Gilbert, Kaitlyn Gilbert and Shelby Gilbert; and his great-grandchildren: Paizley Wise, Kimberly Wise, Taylor Gilbert, Maverick Gilbert, Milam Gilbert, and Danielle Gilbert. He is also survived by his sister-in-law CeCe Domino; and nieces Victoria Warmack and husband Darsey, and Laura Anderson; as well as many other beloved nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Jack and Laura Esther Gilbert; sisters Bonnie Jo Horton and husband J.D. Horton, Audrey Jean Darnell; son-in-law Eddie Cooper; and nephews Charlie Anderson and Homer Horton.

Marvin dedicated 45 years of his life to the oil field industry, a career that took him around the world and brought him a lifetime of stories and experiences. After retiring, Marvin and Georgia made their home in West Columbia, where he found joy in attending auctions and collecting what he fondly referred to as “treasures.”

Marvin loved hunting and fishing with his sons—always determined to catch the big catfish with his trusted trot line. If he wasn’t on a boat you could almost always find him under a vehicle or tinkering in his garage, fixing what others couldn’t—with a trusty roll of duct tape never far from reach. He was a man of few words, but nothing brought out his stories like an ice-cold Dr. Pepper, a Little Debbie, and a quiet evening on the porch.

Marvin’s greatest joy was his family. He loved them deeply and was proud of each generation that followed him. His steady presence, dry wit, and warm heart will be missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

A life well lived, a legacy well loved—Marvin Durwood Gilbert will be dearly missed but never forgotten.

Pallbearers: Mark Gilbert, Michael Gilbert, Mitchell Gilbert, Josh Cooper, Dakota Gilbert, and Stephen Wise.