Tributes

FERNANDEZ Gilbert C. Fernandez, born December 7, 1923 in San Antonio, TX, passed away September 25, 2015 at the age of 91 years old. He was preceded in death by his parents Eduardo and Josefa Fernandez; wife Mamie G. Fernandez; brother Rudy Fernandez; sisters Stella Montemayor; and Dora Smith. Gilbert is survived by loving daughters Mary Lou Talavera and her husband Frank Talavera; Linda Vasquez; son Gilbert Fernandez Jr.; sister Guadalupe Martinez; brother Edward Fernandez and his wife Henrietta; grandchildren Nicole Lemelle, Jesse, Fabian, Adrian Fernandez, and John Vasquez; and great grandson Kinoah Lemelle. Gilbert served in United States Army as a Medical Technician. He participated in the Normandy invasion landing on Omaha beach. Gilbert was transferred to duty onboard the USAHS Thistle, an Army hospital ship where he remained for the duration of the war. After serving he attended a woodworking school and was hired at Westwood Furniture Company. After 15 years he then moved to the Barkel Furniture Company where he was promoted to foreman supervisor. During that time Gilbert was able to hire many individuals whom he supervised and taught them how to make and assemble furniture. Gilbert was a highly respected member of the company; and retired after 30 successful years of service. Gilbert loved the Outdoors; he was an avid hunter and fisherman. He taught not only his children to do the same but his grandchildren, including anyone in the neighborhood who wanted to learn. Gilbert successfully hunted for feral hogs, deer, bobcat, rabbits, and armadillo. He loved to BBQ for his family and friends almost every weekend and on special holidays. Gilbert was a friendly guy who enjoyed joking and laughing and just having a good time. He spent the last three years of his life living in the Casa Rio Nursing home with his loving wife, Mamie. Gilbert developed good friendships with other residents as well as staff members. He was a joy to be with, to listen to his stories of his war experiences and his early years at home with his brothers and sisters. Gilbert will be missed. SERVICES Visitation will be held from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM on Monday, October 5, 2015 at Palm Heights Mortuary; with a 7:00 PM Rosary. Funeral Mass will be held at 12:15 PM on Tuesday, October 6, 2015 at St. James the Apostle Catholic Church. Interment will follow at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery with military honors.

Tributes

Gilbert C. Fernandez

December 7, 1923 - September 25, 2015