John Lee Gilbert
March 22, 1951 – June 5, 2025

John Lee Gilbert, age 74, of Rucker, Texas, passed away peacefully at home on June 5, 2025. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, caregiver, rancher, and faithful servant of the Lord, John lived a life marked by quiet strength, steady faith, and tireless service.

Born March 22, 1951, in Gorman, Texas, to Jack Floyd and Lucille Underwood Gilbert, John was the youngest of four children. From an early age, he worked alongside his family on the land, developing the work ethic and resourcefulness that would define him throughout his life. Whether tending livestock, administering anesthesia, or building his mother-in-law's house with his own hands, John approached every task with purpose and care. He had a gentle way with animals and a quiet sense of humor that revealed itself in surprising moments.

A lifelong learner, John was fascinated by how things were made and took pride in repurposing, repairing, and building with his hands. After graduating from Gorman High School in 1969, he attended Abilene Christian University before graduating from the University of Texas at Austin in 1974. He went on to complete anesthesia residency in Wichita Falls in 1977 and became a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA). After two years in Wichita Falls, John returned to the De Leon area in 1979 where he faithfully served rural hospitals until his retirement in 2018.

In 1972, John married his high school sweetheart, Tresa Duran, beginning a 53-year partnership rooted in love, faith, and perseverance. Together, they raised their children, Amber and Jonathan, and welcomed grandchildren Luke and Taylor, who brought him immense joy. John was a quiet but present father and grandfather—wise, dependable, and generous with both his time and skills.

John was a lifelong, faithful member of the Church of Christ and worshipped with the De Leon congregation since 1980. He served for many years as a deacon, teaching both adults and children in Bible class. His faith was not loud or showy, but steadfast and deeply rooted—evident in how he lived, served, and treated others.

Even in retirement, John remained active as a rancher, caring for cattle, goats, sheep, and two pot-bellied pigs he never quite meant to keep. He continued building, mending fences, and stewarding the family land. He loved woodworking and crafted many practical and meaningful pieces, including the barn he built himself.

John is survived by his beloved wife, Tresa Gilbert; daughter Amber Gilbert Bunton and her husband John; son Jonathan Gilbert; grandson Luke Bunton; granddaughter Taylor Bunton; and sister Carolyn Gilbert. He is also survived by many cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends who were touched by his wisdom, generosity, and example.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Jack Floyd and Lucille Gilbert; sister Floydene Gilbert; brother Jack Neal Gilbert; sister-in-law, Joyce Gilbert; and nephew Dean Neal Gilbert.

The Gilbert family will receive friends and family on Monday, June 9, 2025, from 6:00–8:00 p.m. at Nowlin Anders Funeral Home, De Leon. A service celebrating John's life will be held Tuesday, June 10 at 10:00 a.m. at De Leon Church of Christ, 316 E. Navarro, De Leon, Texas, officiated by Rick Smitherman. A private graveside service will follow at Murray Memorial Cemetery in Carbon, Texas.

Pallbearers (nephews): Dylan Duran, Steve Gilbert, Glenn Gilbert, Adam Hampton, Hayden Hampton, Josh Hampton, Jacob Patterson
Honorary Pallbearers (life-long friends):, Jimmie Dale Johnson, Dale Turner

The family wishes to extend heartfelt thanks to CCS Hospice and Dr. Howard Dickey for their care and compassion.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to:

De Leon Church of Christ, 316 E. Navarro, De Leon, TX 76444

Foster's Home for Children, 1779 N. Graham St., Stephenville, TX 76401

John's life reflected the words of Philippians 4:8-9:

8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. 9 What you have learned[a] and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.