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Keith Gilbert Obituary
Funeral: Noon Saturday at St. Matthew Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Visitation: 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday at St. Matthew Cumberland Presbyterian Church, 380 N.W. Tarrant, Burleson.
Memorials: Gilbert's Gridiron Scholarship Fund in care of the Chamber of Commerce, 1044 S.W. Wilshire, Burleson, Texas 76028.
Coach Keith Gilbert was preceded in death by his father, Ray Gilbert.
Survivors: Wife of 18 years, Jeanie Gilbert; sons, Chase, Courte and Paxton; daughter, Braeden; mother, Rita Gilbert; in-laws, Calvin and Ute Carter; aunts and cousins; and former students, current students and the loving and supportive Burleson community.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Keith Gilbert
Sponsored by Brianna Reeves.
Dr Randy Lockhart
February 9, 2024
Our thoughts and prayers remain with the family and loved ones of Coach Gilbert. May his legacy continue to shine and bless those who are touched!
Randy Lockhart
February 9, 2022
Our thoughts and prayers remain with the Gilbert family.
Randy Lockhart
June 10, 2020
Gilbert Family
You remain in my thoughts and prayers.
Tim Gette
June 9, 2020
Was thinking of Keith Bird Gilbert today and discovered his obituary was still online. I first met Bird in Fort Stockton in 1968 when he was one of my students at Fort Stockton High School and on my golf team. He later went on to Angelo State University where he became a fraternity brother in Lambda Chi Alpha. Years later (1977), he was an usher in my wedding. Keith was a friend and a person that you never forget.
Marty Erskine/Caskey
January 21, 2008
Dear Mrs Gilbert,
I am so sorry to hear about Coach Gilbert. I am also sorry it is a year later that I have heard about him. He was such a sweet wonderful man. I knew him at a time when school is just hard for everybody...Middle School. May he rest in peace and may you find peace as well.
Love,
Marty Erskine/Caskey
Class of 1985
Tommy O'Shields - Class of 93
December 27, 2007
Mrs. Gilbert and family,
I found out about Coach Gilbert just recently. I want you to know that I repected Coach Gilbert more than any other coach I ever had. You also were a great influence in my life. I still think about the days on the field with him and in the class with you! I thank God for your family. My prayers are with you all.
Renea Jones
May 25, 2007
Jeanie,Chase and family,
I just found out today about Keith. I am so very saddened by the news. My deepest sympathy to all of you. May GOD be with you. I miss you all. Renea (Medina) Jones
Tom Close
April 29, 2007
Today is Sunday April 29th, 2007. I just found out about Keith, I had not seen him in about four years. The last time we spoke was at a coaching clinic. I am deeply saddened by his passing, and I wish to extend my thoughts and prayers to his wife and children. We had some great times together, and I still consider Keith, Rick, Gene, and Mark, to be the greatest guys I have ever coached with. Good bye buddy, have a great season! Coach Close
Tye Castleman
April 16, 2007
Coach Gilbert,
I still remeber playing against coppell jv team back in 1993. It had rained all day on that jv football thursday. I remember walking on the field at the junior high and you brought me to the side and told me " Castleman if you try today as hard as you tried to get past Patterson (Casey) there will not be any member on that team that will get past you tonight." Even after 6 years and running into you at the Dillards at Hulen Mall I came to you and repeated that message back to you and you then remember who I was and that exact momemt. Coach you will always be Loved by all the students and especially the football players whose hearts you touched (which I think was all that ever walked the halls at Burleson High) and you will never be FORGOTTEN.
Liz Salas
March 2, 2007
Gilbert Family,
Thank you for sharing Coach Gilbert for so many years. He is forever in our memories as always being there for us and believing in us when no one else did.
Coach Gilbert, on behalf of the Salas family we THANK YOU for coaching and teaching us, but most importantly for your time and patience.
-- Melinda, Norma, Bono, Imelda, Ricky, Liz, Joseph Salas
Dan (Danny) Hammons (88)
March 2, 2007
I can still smell the freshly cut grass, plastic from the hand me down helmets, and anticipation in the air from our first game under Coach Gilbert. It was 7th grade and a bunch of boys gave everything they had to play a Man's game. I can still hear his distintive voice over the crowd, (Number of players X 2 for parents)"Damn it Danny"!, for missing a tackle. After I got to the sidelines expecting the worst, he talked quietly to me, taught me. Many of us were very fortunate to go from junior high all through high school with him as a teacher and guide. I say, Thank You Coach, you made an impact on so many, you probably never knew how much. You will be greatly missed. May God Bless your family in this time of need and ever more.
Jon Williams
March 1, 2007
Jeannie and the Gilbert family
I am so sorry for your loss. Coach Gilbert was an inspirtation to everyone who's life he touched. He was not only a coach but a friend. His door was always open for advice or to just say hello.
What a great man. He will be missed but he will always remain a part of those he touched.
Denise Yeager
February 28, 2007
Mrs.Gilbert and Family
I am so sorry for your loss. Ya'll are in my thoughts and prayers.
Denise(Heffner)Yeager Class of"89"
Melissa Nicodet(Martinez)
February 28, 2007
Coach Gilbert you will be missed to your family I send my thoughts a prayers, Your In a better place. You don't have to hurt anymore you will be missed very much so by everyone. You were a wonderful teacher and a friend if anyone needed anything you were there to help.
Brian & Stacy Bowden (Krueger) Class of 1990 & 1993
February 23, 2007
Coach Gilbert, so many years after we graduated, you still knew who we were and what class we were from. I cannot remember any of our other teachers that ever did that. You will never be forgotten in our family either. You impacted us all and were very special. We will miss not getting to see you and talking to you driving down the road (or in WalMart) and your unforgettable smile! Our prayers and thoughts go out to your family. God Bless You! You will be missed by many.
Belinda Holland
February 21, 2007
Dear Gilbert Family,
Don and I went to High School with Keith. Don and Keith were good friends in high school. We met you at a class reunion. We were so sorry to hear about Keith.
He will be missed by many.
Love in Christ, Don and Belinda
Randy Lockhart
February 21, 2007
To the Gilbert Family,
I did not know Coach Gilbert, however I have some of his students and ball players in a college class I teach. From what they have told me about him, and the influence he has made in, and on their lives, he was a terrific man! His legacy will remain for years to come in the ways he helped mold these young people. You can be proud of him, and I know that his memories will live long in the lives of those he touched. God Bless and you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Blakely Crudup Lang
February 20, 2007
Mrs. Gilbert, I just wanted to let you know I'm thinking about you and the kids. And I wanted to tell you know how sorry I am for your loss. I've thought about you alot over the past few years and really miss you.
Bob Sonderegger
February 20, 2007
To me, the word coach means a person who gives a special effort to help a student become better. Keith Gilbert rates at the highest level of those coaches.
I spent 40 years in the newspaper business and most of those years were devoted entirely or partially to sports coverage.
I made two tours of duty with the Burleson Star. The tours were 17 years apart. Keith was an outstanding, coach, teacher and role model before I wrote sports in Burleson and long after.
You could see by the achievements of the athletes he coached that Keith Gilbert they loved and respected Keith. My heart goes out to not only Keith's family but to all the coaches he has worked with and all the athletes he has coached and students he taught. Keith was taken early in life which means that some future students and athletes will miss his special touch.
Hillary Bradshaw
February 20, 2007
coach gilbert...there are truly no words to describe you...i love you so much and you were the greatest teacher that i have had...you pushed me to my limit and even when i gave up you didn't give up me...you will be greatly missed...the world will never see another Keith Gilbert I fear...thank you so much for being there for me and i pray for you nd your family still love you...<3
Carl Martin
February 20, 2007
Played baseball for coach back in the late 70's and early 80's, at the point we became great friends. I will miss his often stops by the house to discuss the good ol' days and the fun we had on and off the baseball field. God Bless you Coach, you will be missed by many.
Brooke Townzen
February 20, 2007
Running for his Life!
He’s up in Heaven looking down on us,
riding along in that long yellow bus.
We get to the track and start warming up,
knowing if we try we could win the gold cup.
Even though he is not there,
I feel he is…but only in the air.
I miss him dearly - without him it’s just too weird.
The picture comes to me of him before he went,
of him and his missing beard.
As I try to get him out of my mind,
I can’t help but think he’s left me behind.
Now its time for my event,
I look up at a present that heaven sent.
A familiar shape I see in the sky,
smiling down at me from way up high.
I run down the runway and plant my pole,
I notice that in my hart there is no more hole.
He filled it with his presence when I saw his face.
That day on the track at that same exact place.
The place I stood right before my meet,
I will keep running for him, even with my bare feet.
Lisa Townzen
February 20, 2007
Thank you Jeanie and kids for sharing Keith with us!
This great man we all called Coach has touched generations of families at BHS. My friendship with Coach began when he was my homeroom teacher and I graduated back in 87’. But before that he coached my ex-husband, Tim Townzen (85’) in baseball, and following that he taught/coached both of our children BriAnn (05’) for Destinations and Brooke (09’) in track. Many people in my family have grown to know and love Coach—and his legacy will live on in the stories that will continue to be passed from generation to generation. As an adult I had the privilege of teaching with Coach, and even sharing a classroom this year! I know it is the love of kids and the teaching profession that I saw in eyes of Coach and other teachers, which drew me to this profession—I can only hope that one day I will have earned the respect and adoration that this amazing Coach did! You will be greatly missed—Jeanie and kids my thoughts and prayers are with you, as well as the entire BISD family! Love, Lisa Webb Townzen (87’)
Denise and Dana Quick Newman
February 19, 2007
Gilbert family, Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this sad time. We were students of Coach Gilbert and graduated BHS in 1987. He was a great man and his memory will always be with us. We remember his fun spirit well during track and saw him many times after school (mostly at Walmart shopping). We attended the funeral and thought it was a beautiful tribute. We are all very lucky to have known him and the great love he had for teenagers and others. Thank you for sharing him with us all. Love, the twins
Stephanie Riedel
February 19, 2007
Frau Gilbert and Family,
I am at a loss for words, but do know that your family is in our prayers.
Stephanie Riedel
c/o 1997
February 19, 2007
It's wonderful reading the legacy that "Bird" left behind. As a teen-ager in Fort Stockton, he was a great guy even then. I know he will be missed by many but how wonderful you have the memories that you do. Joyce Faulkenberry Ray (Fort Stockton Class of '68)
Amanda Jones Krejci
February 19, 2007
Dear Jeanie and family,
I meet you a long time ago at a funeral in Sterling City, TX. I grew up with Bird. He was such a great friend and we had so many great memories in Ft. Stockton. I was so sad to learn about Bird's death. Lynn Juarez told me about it. I work with Lynn. I always thought the world of Bird and will miss him. It was such fun to see each other at class reunions in Ft. Stockton. I am so sorry for your loss. He was a fine man, great coach and teacher. He will be greatly missed by all.
Betsy and Fred Thompson
February 19, 2007
Jeanie,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and Chase and the kids. Keith was good man and an example to all of us of a wonderful husband and attentive father. He will be greatly missed but remembered well. If we can be of any help to you and your family please feel free to just pick up the phone and call. God will help you fill this void in your life but good friends can not hurt. We love all of you, always have and always will.
Jory King
February 19, 2007
As I sit here reading the numerous entries of this guest book, with tears running down my cheek. It is truly amazing the countless lives that Keith touched in such a positive manor. I feel privelaged to have been a part of his life as a student and a friend. There is no doubt he will be missed dearly by everyone that knew him. My thoughts and prayers go out to the entire Gilbert family.
"Class of 84"
Lee & Lisa Jones
February 18, 2007
Jeanie, Paxton, Braeden, Courte and Chase,
Our hearts were with you this past week despite being out of town and unable to attend the services. What an honor to have been your neighbors for 4 years and to have seen firsthand what an awesome, fun-loving and devoted dad, husband and friend Keith was. We were truly blessed by knowing him. It isn't right or fair that he was taken from you so soon, but the time you had together was such quality time, something to be cherished forever. With sympathy and love,
Lee, Lisa, Tori, Austin and Alli
Tim McFatridge
February 18, 2007
To the entire Gilbert Family... my heart goes out to you all. I always respected Coach and thought he was a great teacher,coach and mentor. He will be greatly missed by all that knew him.
Danielle Horn (Bonifas)
February 18, 2007
Coach,
Thank you for all your memories during highschool. You will be greatly missed by all. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. We love you Gilbert!
Tracy Wynn-Essary
February 18, 2007
Jeanie,
I am so sorry for your loss. I did not know either of you personally, in the same sense I feel like he touched everyone's lives that he came into contact with, as if he knew you personaly. May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Lynette Earheart
February 17, 2007
Our thoughts and prayers will continue to be with you all. Coach Gilbert has been a great influence for this community for so long -- he will surely be missed! God Bless you all during this tough time. The Earheart family (Mike & Lynette, Michele and Jessica, Troy & Rachel and kids, Brent & Heather and kids)
Lisa Shipman-Compagnone Class of '86
February 17, 2007
I am sadden to hear the passing of such a great man. Coach Gilbert was a very special coach, teacher and friend to many people. Through the years, he helped mold the lives of numerous students. I was one of the lucky ones to be his student and friend.
During my grief, I am flooded with wonderful memeories of Hughes Middle School and Burleson High School. He was school to me. It may have been several years since we've last spoken, but I feel as if I have last my good friend and mentor.
My heart goes out to his family and all of us who truly feels the loss of this great man.
God Bless you Coach and your family. May you finally know how many people you have truly touch.
Mattie Foster
February 17, 2007
To the family of Keith Gilbert:
My thought and prayers are with you during this sad time. We're better people for knowing Keith. He touched the Foster family several ways. I worked with him and he was Tommys coach and friend. We're so blessed by having him in our lives. I'll miss his hugs when I visit BHS. BHS will not be the same. My love goes out to Jeanie and the children.
Mary Kay Gray
February 17, 2007
Dear Gilbert Family
My deepest sympathy to your family.Coach Gilbert taught both my children as well as my grandchildren.He was very respected by all of us. His gift of love for all his students made him an exceptional man.God grace will heal your sadness but his memory will remain in your hearts forever.
May he rest in God's peace.
Roger Gregory
February 17, 2007
Coach & Mrs. Gilbert & Family,
I am very sad for your loss. It, however , is a loss for the whole community and students of Burleson ISD (present and future). Coach Gilbert was one of my most favorite teachers. Mrs. Gilbert(Medina)was also a favorite of mine. I think of both fondly and often. I will keep good thoughts for you and your family in this trying time. Feel free to call on me for any need you may have. I will gladly be there for you as you have been for me.
Love, and Respect,
Roger Gregory Jr Class of 88
Nancy Sutton
February 17, 2007
My children loved Coach Gilbert when we lived in Burleson. Diana was his teachers assistant, and Mike played football under Coach. They are both married and doing well, I have to thank him for his interest in them.
God bless you who knew him, he is truly someone to remember.
Nancy Miller Sutton
Paul Clark
February 17, 2007
To the entire Gilbert family, I am truly sorry for your loss. Coach made everyone feel like they were the most important person in his life. I wish my son could have had the experience of playing for such a great role model. Coach will be sincerely missed.
Jana Hoover
February 17, 2007
I had the privilege of sharing a classroom with Keith this year and was honored to see him in action with his Destination students. One of his track students gave a speech in class this semester about something that was important to her. It was the certificate of participation from Texas Tech competition last year. She stated that Coach Gilbert always stressed that she should "never give up". What a tremendous legacy to leave behind!
Our prayers are with you all.
Lisa Gonzalez
February 17, 2007
Dear Jeanie,
I am so sorry for your loss and want you and your family to know that you are deeply loved and prayed for. The Father knows the depths of your heart and my prayer is that you and your family will be strengthened by His love. Thank you, Keith and Jeanie, for extending your love and support to the lives of so many. You have blessed me.
Tonya Chancey
February 17, 2007
Jeanie, Chase, Courte, Paxton and Braeden...
I want you to know how deeply sorry I am for your loss. My memories of your family run deep. I have some precious pictures of Braedon and Keith from 2nd grade that I would like to send you. Knowing there will be more people than space at the funeral, Lisa Gonzalez and I have decided to spend the 12'oclock hour in prayer for your family. We've been touched by your lives, we're available if there is anyway we can touch yours. We're so greatful for your family.
Sincerely,
Tonya Chancey
mary newton
February 17, 2007
Please accept my deepest sympathies.
Angie & Tom Catron; Courtney & Austin Seals
February 17, 2007
Dear Gilbert Family:
Coach Gilbert was a wonderful man and a great coach. I remember Coach Gilbert being much respected among the students while I attended BHS (Class of 1993). Jeanie you were always known as the teacher everyone hoped they were assigned to. I never personally had either of you as a coach or teacher but my brother had the honor of playing football under Coach Gilbert. Burleson and BHS football will never be the same without Coach Gilbert!
Our church (TCAB) has been praying for Coach Gilbert and your family during his battle with cancer. Now God has given Coach Gilbert the ultimate healing.
Our prayers are with you and your family. Jeanie please contact us if you need anything!
Darren Odom
February 16, 2007
Dear Jeanie and children we were all so lucky to have both of you in our lives, Coach will be missed by all. If yall need any thing just let me know. Darren Odom
Lisa Piepiora (
February 16, 2007
Coach Gilbert was a wonderful man that all of the students he worked with looked up to. Myself as a parent greatly appreciate all that he did for our kids, introducing my daughter to her college coach so that she could go forward in track. I've known him since middle school & am very proud to refer to him not only as a past coach, but also as a friend. Goleman 1983
Amber Piepiora
February 16, 2007
Thank you so much for all you have done for our school throughout the years. You have left a permanent mark on everyone that you have come into contact with. You always be missed and forever loved.
Jan Broxson-St John (FSHS 71)
February 16, 2007
I am so saddened to hear of the loss of Keith. I always knew him as "Bird". I went to school with him in Fort Stockton. I didn't know him well, but he was kind, and always had a smile on his face. He was loved by everyone then, and was obviously loved dearly by all of his students and parents throughout his career. Our prayers will be with your family during this time.
John & Linda Maddux
February 16, 2007
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in this time of terrible loss.
Eric Bivins
February 16, 2007
Jeannie,
You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Tommy Wood
February 16, 2007
Jeanie, Chase, Courte, Paxton,
Braeden, and Rita,
I am so sorry for your loss. To
those of us who have known Bird since he arrived at Angelo State as a bold, brash, fun-loving freshman from Fort Stockton, we too share with you in this most difficult time. We all loved him like the brother he was to us all. Though
time and distance separated us over
the years, I will never forget the
good times we had together and the great friend he was. From Hemphill-
Wells to Lambda Chi Alpha to Tahiti
to my wedding, Bird made any activity better. I am so glad I was able to spend the day with Keith and Gene last August at the
Coaches' Clinic here in Austin.
May the angels lift you all up and
comfort you, and know that your
husband, dad and son will never be
forgotten. I will always smile and
celebrate the joy that he brought to us all.
Chris McCrory 93'
February 16, 2007
Thanks for the many years of wisdom and for being a very positive role model to us all. God bless the entire Gilbert family.
Tisha Tangalin-Hawley Class of '88
February 16, 2007
Jeannie: When I heard Coach Gilbert was ill, I reflected on how much of an impact he had on my life. Coach Gilbert coached me for 6 years. Little did he know, his belief in me helped me more than just on the track. If he had not been in my life, I would not be the person I am today. He was my mentor while I was growing up and is a huge inspiration in my life today. I can only hope that my children will be blessed enough to have a teacher like Coach Gilbert in their lives. Coach Gilbert is SOTE.
Andy Jack
February 16, 2007
Coach gilbert was a great mentor throughout my High School years. May god bless his soul and watch over those he left behind.
Coach Gary Davenport
February 16, 2007
Thank you for your friendship and fond memories that can not be taken from me.
Craig & Lisa Stepan
February 16, 2007
Craig & I are so sorry to hear of your loss. Both of us thought alot of Coach Gilbert & have many fond memories from when he coached us & now of him coaching our sons. Our whole family will miss him. We will keep you all in our prayers.
Rachel Brockman (Gelinas) Class of 88
February 16, 2007
Jeanie
My heart is truly breaking for you and your children right now. Coach Gilbert was one of my favorite people when I was growing up. I know that he has inspired and touched many lives, including mine. I had not seen him for many years but thought of him often. My prayers and thoughts go out to your family as well as his mother.
Sarah (Rutledge) Kittrell
February 16, 2007
Jeanie,
My heart truly goes out to you and your kids because I know what a great man Coach Gilbert was. After I emailed you I have continued to pray for his recovery and I will continue to keep you and your family in my prayers.
debbie arnold
February 16, 2007
You touched my daughters life and many others through your years at BHS. I attended your viewing and read the endless entries people left for your family's scrapbook. The one thing I kept reading was "knowing you made me want to be a better person". We are all better for knowing you. What an amazing legacy you have left in the countless lives of everyone you came across. We are all missing an angel, but Heaven is blessed to have you!
Jeanie, Chase, Courte, Paxton, and Braeden, we love you and thank you for sharing this amazing man with all of us.
Gary Billingsley
February 16, 2007
I am so sorry for your loss. Bird and I went to college together and were in the same fraternity. I remember seeing him many years ago at a Rangers game. He looked just about like he did in college....sort of. He was always such a great guy and willing to do anything for anybody. I know his passing will be felt by all the people that knew him.
Lynn, Donna, Cole, Courtney and Caity Jenkins
February 16, 2007
Coach, what a blessed journey! From the early 80's you have always been a great role model through your coaching, teaching, mentoring and family values, you will be missed. Cole (Class of 03) and I (Class of 82) are honored and feel truly blessed to have had you in our lives and will always cherish those moments. To the family my wish, even through these hard times, is that one day you can all find comfort in the legacy, values and memories which your husband and father strove to build for you. God Bless!
Sandra Rolfe
February 16, 2007
Our family joins the ranks of the many students, friends, co-workers, and family, whose lives are richer for the privledge of being a part of Coach Gilbert's life. His legacy lives on through the many lives he touched. May God wrap you in the comfort of his arms and bless your family.
The David Stoker family (Burleson TX)
Heather Stoker Pacheco (Class of 95)
Laura Ball
February 16, 2007
My heart goes out to the Gilbert family and I will continue to keep you in my prayers. I am happy to have had him be a part of my life as a coach, teacher, and mentor. He had such a wonderful impact on so many different people and will be greatly missed.
Wendy Pillow
February 16, 2007
Jeannie,
You and your family are in my prayers. Keith has made a heavy impact on so many children that have passed through the Burleson ISD. It seems like it was yesterday that all of the coaches were sitting in the stands - laughing and joking around, while we were being tortured during practices!! He will be missed.
Karen (Bell) Pool (class of 85)
February 16, 2007
My prayers go out to the Gilbert family in such hard times. Losing a family member is one of the hardest things we ever have to experience on this side of Heaven. Keep God on your side and He will bring you through the tough days ahead. I am so deeply sorry for your loss.
God Bless
Joan Bradshaw
February 16, 2007
I am so sorry for you loss, my daughter Hillary Bradshaw is a Senior at the High School. We have been praying for Coach Gilbert at home and at our Church. We will continue to pray for you family.
Amanda Singleton-Warren
February 16, 2007
What a huge loss for us all. Coach Gilbert was a great person and will be truely missed. All our thoughts and prayers to the family.
Amanda Singleton-Warren
February 16, 2007
What a hudge loss for us all. Coach was a great person and will be truely missed. All our thoughts and prayers to the family.
Travis and Tamara Williams
February 16, 2007
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort. Your legacy will continue to live on through the lives you have touched. God Bless.
Mike Cunningham (class of 91)
February 16, 2007
Coach Gilbert will be missed by all the students and athletes he touched throughout the years. God bless him and his family.
Kristy Ramirez
February 16, 2007
Gilbert Family,
I'm very sorry to hear about your loss. My prayers are with you all. May God Bless you.
Christy (Donahew) Stuart
February 16, 2007
I don't even know where to begin to express my love and compassion for the Gilbert family. Both Keith and Jeanie have made such a huge impact on my life as a student, coach and a freind. Keith always attending cheerleading camp to support all of Jeanie's girls, babysitting the kids, watching the excitement on their faces as their house got built brick by brick, and most importantly admiring their parenting skills and devotion to the 4 young children. Keith and Jeanie touched and impacted every life they ever came in contact with. I will always think of you guys as a second family.
Keith...I will think of you and your generous smile everyday and look forward to day I will get to see it again face to face.
Jeanie...There are no words except I love you! And you will always and forever be the BHS Cheerleading Goddess!!
Kids...You all have been so brave. Always know you have the most incredible mom and dad that love you more than you will ever know.
Keith I will dearly miss you everyday!
Love to you all,
Fissy (Class of '97)
Alyssa White
February 16, 2007
The Gilbert Family -
There are no words that explain how much this man meant to me and to everyone I know. He was more than a blessing. He was more than a coach, dad, husband, teacher & friend. He was a god-send. I will always and forever be in debt to him for the times he was there for me when no one else was. He will be more than missed and remembered. My thoughts and prayers go out to everyone in the Gilbert family and to all who have ever encountered Keith. If you have met this man, then you would feel sorrow and sadness for his loss.
Melissa Restrepo/sherrill
February 16, 2007
Coach Gilbert,
Thank you for all of your guidence at the time I needed it most!! You tried to help me become the best I could be. I will always remember you.
Melissa Sherrill
Brenda Reeves
February 16, 2007
Jeanie & Kids, Sam & I want you to know that we are lifting you up in prayer at this sad time. Keith was a great guy for the kids to have as a coach and he will be missed by many. Please know that you are not alone, as the scriptures say..."He is a father to the fatherless and a husband to the husbandless". We rejoice in that Keith is in Heaven with the Lord this day.
Jason Manry
February 16, 2007
Jeanie, I am so sorry for your loss. I loved coach Gilbert so much and he meant so much to me. He wrote me a letter at the end of my eighth grade year that probably has more to do with me being where I am today than anything else. I am teaching elementary school P.E. but I still use some of the same sayings that Keith used. I just want you to how much he meant to me and if you or your family ever need anything, do not hesitate to call.
(Class of 87)
Renvy Smith
February 16, 2007
Dear Gilbert family,
During the past 7 years, I came to know Keith through that wonderful fraternity called coaching. I was at Granbury coaching girls' track, and Keith and Chris Byerly were some of my fellow transplanted West Texans. I have great memories of visiting with Keith and watching him with his "kids" on the track. I know he was loved and respected by those athletes, and he left behind a tremendous legacy. Through the years, it's undoubtable that Keith impacted many thousands of young people's lives in his special way. I count it a blessing to have been among those fortunate enough to have witnessed that and shared his friendship as a fellow educator.
My prayers have been with you since the diagnosis, and I will continue to pray for your comfort. We know Keith is watching us and waiting for a great reunion some day. May God be with each of you.
Michael Bristow (Class 1990)
February 16, 2007
Jeanie,
I remember when you and Keith started dating and the joy the two of you shared and brought together. I never saw him happier than the day he married you.
Coach Gilbert was much more than a coach. He was a inspiration to all his students and athletes, someone who we all looked up to and admired. You are very blessed that your own childred had the father that so many of us wanted.
Shannon & David Lucas
February 16, 2007
To have shared your life with such a man must have you bursting with pride as you grieve his loss. His life and legacy will continue to be celebrated as his children grow into the adults he intended them to be and his students move on to accomplishments Coach Gilbert empowered them to achieve.
For one man to have touched so many lives we can all see that his was a life lead by God. He honored the path God chose for him and now he can celebrate in Heaven at his Father's right hand. No longer trapped in a body of limitations or illness and free of the burdens of earth he will watch over those that will carry on his legacy.
Our thoughts and prayers are with your family as well as our gratitude for so generously sharing the man you love with all of us for so long.
Tori Daniell (Davis) and family
February 16, 2007
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family. Coach Gilbert was a true asset to Burleson ISD and will forever be missed.
Class of '97
Mary Winter (formerly Sherrill) and on behalf of Melissa Restrepo (formerly Sherrill)
February 16, 2007
Working for Coach Gilbert in track practice was always the highlight of my day. His support of us, my sisters and I, during a time in our lives when we most needed help, was lifesaving. He never turned his back on us and encouraged each of us to be the best we could be, even in the face of adversity. I know I let him down more than once, but he never failed me. Years have passed since I last saw Coach Gilbert, but his memory has always lived on in my heart and he will never be forgotten. It seems from reading these entries, that he touched a great many lives, truly an angel amoung us. Those of us, whose paths intertwined with his were privileged. As he watches me from above, I hope I can finally make him proud. Our condolences to his family and everyone who knew him, Coach Gilbert has gone home. Take comfort that his work here is done and he can finally rest in peace, leaving behind a legacy that will be carried on by those who knew him, even for a brief time.
Brandon Vozza
February 16, 2007
Jeanie, Chase and Family.
I'm very sorry to hear or your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Tina Upchurch
February 16, 2007
Jeanne and family,
May God watch over you and your family in this time of grief and always, We were blessed to have Coach Gilbert in our lives, he touched us all in so many great ways and made such a great impact on all of us! Coach Gilbert will be greatly missed! You and your family will always remain in my thoughts and prayers. God bless,
Tina Upchurch (class of 89)
Rick Perkins
February 16, 2007
My prayers go out to Jeanie& Family,Keith Coached us with all heart in the early eighties, everyone he touched he made a better athlete& a better person,Scott & I also brought some of his teachings on to Chase when we Coached him later in life, He is a true spirit and will be missed greatly, Jeanie all our love.
Steve Dotson
February 16, 2007
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Keith will be missed very much by all who knew him, but will be forever in our hearts and memories. God bless you all.
Coach (Ricky) Albus
February 16, 2007
To the Gilbert Family,
My deepest symapthy be with all of you on the loss of Coach. Keith is one of the major reasons that I am a coach today. His ability to touch so many of us through his coaching and teaching will not be forgotten. Due to coaching responsibilities, I will not be able to attend the services but I look forward to seeing you all when we play zero week next season.
Kari Cuno (Guthrie) (Class of '88)
February 16, 2007
WOW.....What an impact! He was definitley larger than life and will greatly be missed. I am so sorry for your/our loss and look forward to seeing him again one day.
Joy (Holsomback) Steele (Class of 87)
February 16, 2007
To the Gilbert Family;
Reading this guestbook makes one stop to take pause. To see what a truly wonderful gift he had been to each and every one he ever touched. He was a mentor, father, friend and life coach!
There will never be enough words to describe all that he meant to not only me personally, but to everyone he has ever come into contact with.
He has inspired all of us to live beyond our potential and to chase our dreams. For many of us he was that one ray of light that always managed to get through.
I loved him like he was a Father and I am honored to have called him a friend!
May God see each of you through this difficult time. Thank you Coach for a being a Season in my life!
Jeanette Rangel (Castillo)
February 16, 2007
Gilbert Family,
I am very sorry for your loss, Coach Gilbert was the best. It was such a blessing to know this wonderful man, he was such an inspiration.He taught me so much, and he will greatly be missed. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. If you need anything please feel free to contact me.
Angela (Pippin) Hobby ,Class of '85
February 16, 2007
My heart goes out to you at this time and in the days ahead.
Sammy Armstrong
February 16, 2007
Keith was my good friend "Bird" back at Angelo State. A great friend who loved playing ball as much as I did, he was just much better at it!I am so glad he got to meet my son and I his wife at the 95 All Star game.We were so excited to run into each other.A great father, husband, & friend-"that's a home run Bird-take a slow trot around the bases-you deserve the oviation my friend!"
Your Brother In Christ
Sammy,Belinda, & Jay Armstrong
Andrea Novelli
February 15, 2007
My thoughts and prayers are with your family during this time.
Dustin Willis (Class of 2005)
February 15, 2007
Gilbert Family,
My thoughts and prayers go out to all of you. Coach Gilbert was a great teacher/coach and inspired me in many ways, I would not be where I am today if it wasn't for him, and for that I am forever grateful. I know he will be missed by many, and never forgotten.
God Bless!
Randall Ramirez (Class of 98)
February 15, 2007
Gilbert Family - I'm sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Kim McCrea
February 15, 2007
Jeanie and family --
May GOD comfort you all during this time of grief. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Kim McCrea
('88)
The Syrquin's
February 15, 2007
Dear Jeanie, Chase, Courte, Braeden and Paxton,
Please know that you are in our thoughts and in our prayers during this difficult time. In time we hope you will find comfort in the knowledge that your family has touched so many in this world. Love Maurice, Jane, Mick, Sam & Willy Syrquin
Brian Smith
February 15, 2007
Coach,
you truly will be missed, you always had a smile on your face. I will miss the days lifting weights with you in high school. God Bless your family.
class of 1994
Lisa Rodgers (Perkins)
February 15, 2007
The pleasure of knowing Coach Gilbert was to love him, the chance to play for him was a true honor. I will cherish the memory of his integrity, style, grace, friendship, that darn mustache and of course the coaching shorts (from the 80's)! I was blessed to know Gilbert, be coached by him and also have my kids coached by him. There was and never will be another "Coach" like him. (class of 86)
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