Felix Michael Gilbert, 71, of Beaumont, returned to his Creator on January 10, 2014.  He was born on February 28, 1942, in Beaumont, to Helen Allen Gilbert and Felix George Gilbert. 

Felix spent his early years in Kirbyville, moving to Beaumont in the fifth grade.  A disciplined student athlete, he was both a member of the National Honor Society and the football team at French High School; he graduated in 1960.  He initially attended Lamar University on a football scholarship but was subsequently awarded the prized Texaco Engineering Scholarship for academic excellence.  He received his Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Engineering in 1964 and followed that with a Master’s degree from the Georgia Institute of Technology in 1965.  He worked for and retired from ExxonMobil as a Professional Engineer after thirty-six years of service. 

He was a devoted caregiver to his mother during her long Alzheimer’s illness until her death.  Mike was a consummate deer hunter and an excellent marksman.  His passion for the shooting sports and the outdoors was known to all as well as his love of history.  A man of faith, he attended St. Jude Thaddeus Catholic Church and was active in the Men of Jude. 

Survivors include his children, Kathleen M. Gilbert of North Richland Hills; Kelly M. Henry and her husband, Gaile, of Beaumont; Susan Lavergne and her husband, Donald, of Vidor; and Michael S. Gilbert and his wife, Michelle, of Beaumont; grandchildren, Ryan Lavergne, Nicole Lavergne, Matthew Gilbert, Stephen Gilbert, Hannah Henry, Julia Gilbert, and Hayden Henry; and brother, Jack A. Gilbert and his wife, Mary, of Columbia, Maryland. He is preceded in death by his parents; and wife, Linda Croom Gilbert.

A gathering of Mr. Gilbert’s family and friends will be from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., with a Christian Vigil at 6:00 p.m., Tuesday, January 14, 2014, at Broussard’s, 2000 McFaddin Avenue, Beaumont.  His Mass of Christian Burial will be 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, January 15, 2014, at St. Jude Thaddeus Catholic Church, 6825 Gladys Avenue, Beaumont, with interment to follow at Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Beaumont.

Memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 700 North Street, Suite M, Beaumont, Texas 77701.