Gilberto D. Solis

Gilberto D. Solis, 90, of Arlington, TX, passed away peacefully at his home on November 20, 2023. 

Gilberto was born in Mapimi, Durango, Mexico to Juan and Maria Solis on August 22, 1933. He met and married Socorro Valles on March 19, 1955 in Yermo, Durango, Mexico. They were married for almost 60 years and had 12 children. He came to the United States as a young man in the 1950’s as part of the Farm Workers Program (Braceros Program). He decided to make Pecos his home and lived there until 2016. He worked in farming for many years with many of the local farmers in Pecos and the surrounding area.  He later worked in road construction for Jones Bros. and  Laredo Paving until he retired in 1998. After his wife’s passing he went to live with his daughter and son-in-law in Odessa, TX and they all later moved to Arlington, TX. 

Gilberto was a devout Catholic, he prayed his rosary daily sometimes more than once. He and his wife passed down their strong faith to their children. He had a sharp mind and would love to tell stories of his childhood and younger days. It didn’t matter that he had already told you the story, he would say that he couldn’t keep up with whom he had told it to and would proceed with his story. He especially loved spending time with his family and friends. His grandchildren and great grandchildren were his pride and joy. He was elated when he recently celebrated his 90th birthday surrounded by family and friends. He stayed connected with his numerous nieces and nephews and would speak to them on a weekly basis. He loved shelling pecans as it reminded him of all his trees he and his wife had planted at their former home in Pecos.  If he wasn’t shelling pecans, you could often find him working on word search puzzles.  He would work on them until he completed the book and would have to be reminded to take breaks.  He was so proud to show off his work and was excited when he would get new ones.  He loved to watch the Texas Rangers  and the Dallas Cowboys.  

Gilberto is preceded in death by his wife Socorro Solis,  daughter Maria Del Rosario Solis, son Jesus Solis, parents Juan and Maria Solis, great-grandkids Daniela, Gabriela, and Julian Solis-Cabral, brothers Sergio, Luis, Filomeno, and Pedro, sisters, Josefina, Refugio (Cuca), and Rita. 

Gilberto is survived by his daughters Maria (Bobby) Rayos of Buda, TX and Josie (Bobby) Valles of Arlington, TX., sons Juan Antonio (Veronica) of Ciudad del Carmen Mexico, Mario (Alicia) of Laredo, TX, Gilbert (Alicia) of Odessa, TX, Rosario (Connie) of Irving, TX, Jabier (Veronica) of Arlington, TX, Oscar(Anna) of Pecos, TX, Daniel (Lisa) of Denton, TX, and Isaac Solis of Dallas, TX, as well as 26 grandchildren, 33 great-grandchildren and 1 great great grandson. Sister Soledad (Chloe) Cisneros. Brothers-in-law Luis (Hilda)Valles and Jesus Valles. Beloved niece Julia (Ruben) Cazares of Pecos, TX and numerous other nieces and nephews. 

Pallbearers will be his sons Juan Antonio, Mario, Gilbert, Rosario, Jabier, Oscar, Daniel, and Isaac Solis. Honorary pallbearers Mario Alejandro, Bobby Rayos and Bobby Valles. 

In lieu of flowers the family asks for Memorial donations in his honor to the American Heart Association, Cancer Society, or National Kidney Foundation.  

The family of Gilberto wishes to extend our sincere thanks to all his doctors and specialists: Texas Oncology in Odessa, Texas, Texas Oncology in Arlington, Texas, Baylor Scott and White Medical, Dallas Nephrology and everyone that took great care of his medical needs. Thank you to all of our family and friends for all the support and prayers during this time.