JERRY “HOOTY” LYNN GILBREATH

Jerry Lynn Gilbreath, age 86, of Vidor, Texas, passed away on March 22, 2024. He was born on March 2, 1938, in Reklaw, Texas. Hooty, as he was affectionately known, had a remarkable life full of adventures and later found solace in the simple joys of family and home.

In his younger days, Hooty rodeoed and drove stock cars, relishing the thrill of the competitions. He was also drawn to the beach and water sports, finding peace and excitement on the water. Many Thanksgivings were spent in the woods pursuing his love for deer hunting. As time passed, Hooty traded in his wild pursuits for a more tranquil life, often seen in a pair of overalls with a flask of Jack Daniels in his pocket, riding his tractor and giving joyous rides to his grandchildren and other neighborhood children. No child was ever injured but the same could not be said for their clothing as often they were thrown away too soiled to be cleaned.

Hooty is survived by his brother Greg Gilbreath, his children, Sandra and Rafael Flores, Stephen and Zanette Gilbreath, and Suzan and Dan Steed, along with 7 grandchildren, numerous great-grandchildren, cousins, and friends. He was preceded in death by his wife, Delores Gilbreath, sister Sherry Myers, brothers Kenny and Mike Gilbreath, and his parents, Nellie and DV Gilbreath.

Hooty proudly served in the U.S. Air Force, embodying the values of duty and honor throughout his military career. After his service, he started his career at the Texaco Refinery in Port Arthur, Texas, working his way from the grease plant to becoming a first-class Machinist Supervisor before retiring after 38 years of dedicated service.

A visitation will be held on Wednesday, March 27, from 6-8 PM, and the funeral service will take place at 2:00 PM on Thursday, March 28, both at Memorial Funeral Home in Vidor, Texas. A grave side service will be held at Restlawn Memorial Park in Vidor, Texas immediately following the service.