William "Billy Don" Gilbert, Jr.

William “Billy” Don Gilbert, Jr., 79, of Sulphur, LA, died on Monday, May 7, 2018 in a local care facility.

Mr. Gilbert was born June 29, 1938 in Port Arthur, TX, attended Landry High School and lived most of his life in Sulphur, LA. He served his country in the U.S. Army. During his younger years, he worked as a carpenter and later as a machinist for Cities Service. He was a member of the Lake Charles Power Squadron and was a 32nd Degree Mason. He enjoyed boating and storytelling and loved to ride motorcycles with his wife.

Mr. Gilbert is survived by his sons, James “Jimbo” Gilbert and wife Jill of Lake Charles and Bobby Gilbert and wife Melissa of Moss Bluff; daughter, Donna Barger and husband Barry of Lake Charles; sister, Virginia Lathrop and husband Wayne of Texas; brother, Ronnie Gilbert and wife Peggy of Austin, TX; and grandchildren Kade Gilbert, Kennedi Poor, Haleigh Gilbert, Beau Gilbert, Gray Gilbert, and Claire Barger.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Virginia Gilbert; father and step-mother, William, Sr. and Lela Bushnell Gilbert; and mother, Mildred Gilbert.

His funeral service will be held at 1:00 PM on Thursday, May 10, 2018 at the Johnson Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will follow in Old Ritchie Cemetery. Visitation will be at the funeral home on Thursday from 10:00 AM until the start of the service.