Richard J. Gilbreth (91) took his last ride on the “Orange Blossom Special” as it left the station on February 14, 2018. Richard was born November 23, 1926 at Hawley, Texas to James Preston and Lora Russell Gilbreth.
Richard graduated from Quail High School in 1944. He volunteered with US Navy Amphibious Corp at the age of seventeen. He served on USS Laurens, an attack transport, for 13 months in the SW Pacific. He was honorably discharged in 1946 and awarded American Theater, Asiatic, Pacific, Philippine Liberation, Japanese Occupation, and Victory medals. He was a Life member of VFW Post 4849 Antonito, CO and American Legion Post 287 Hedley, Texas.
Richard was married September 18, 1950 to Betty Jo Lockhart at College Station, Texas. He graduated John Tarleton Agricultural College and Texas A&M with B.S. in Range and Forestry with the help of Betty. He worked for USDA in Texas and New Mexico and fought forest fires in Los Alamos and California. With wife and four children he moved back to Texas and began teaching science and coaching at Quail High School and then, science and High School principal at Lakeview, Texas.
Richard thoroughly enjoyed making music, “huntin, fishin, and lovin everyday. Thank God he made him that way.” His local band was the “Mogote Banditos”, he played at the Big Texan with cousins, and won an amateur fiddle contest. His most notable performances were recitals and making music for and with great grandchildren.
Survived by daughter Mary Ann (Mike) Porter of Alamosa, CO and sons James Richard (Christi) of Garden City, KS and Zane (Vikki) of Colorado Springs. Grandchildren Ryann (Kip), Brandon (Erin), Logan, Preston (Katie), David (Liz), Jared, SSgt John (Briana), and Jacob; and 10 great grandchildren. Preceded in death by daughter, Susan, parents, brother (W.P. Gilbreth), and wife (Betty) of 64 years.
Cremation was chosen and a memorial will be at a later date. Memorial contributions may be be made to the Quail Building Association,℅ P. O. Box 98 Quail, TX 79251; Porter Realty Scholarship Endowment, Adams State University, Alamosa, CO 81101 or to a charity of choice.
Rogers Family Mortuary of Alamosa is in care of cremation. To leave online condolences, tributes or remarks for Mr. Gilbreth’s family, please visit www.RogersFunerals.com.
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