"There are many things in life that we cannot understand, but we must trust God's judgment and be guided by his hand."
Devoted husband, father, grandfather and friend Gilbert Bebee Richardson III left his earthly home in Evadale Wednesday, March 12, 2008.
Gilbert was the oldest of five children born to G.B. and Minnie Richardson on November 29, 1933 in Honey Island. He joined the Army and on leave in February, 1956 he met the love of his life, Betty Britt. They were married on Halloween 1956 and were together for 50 years before her death in 2007.
One of his proudest moments was his commissioning as Special Texas Ranger in 1974. He loved the time he spent with friends in law enforcement. After his retirement as Chief of Security from Temple-Inland, he was best known as "Uncle Gilbert" because of his popular fish fry mix and catering company. Many people enjoyed his fried catfish and often wrote him cards and letters.
Gilbert's passion in later years was his 14 years of service on the board of directors of the Jasper Newton Electric Co-operative. He actively represented the co-op's interest in both Texas and Washington DC and spoke for deregulation before several state governments.
Gilbert loved and respected his Masonic brotherhood and was a past Worshipful Master and Master Mason of Evadale Lodge #1366. He loved his Lord, first, his wife passionately and his children and grandchildren unconditionally.
Gilbert was preceded in death by his wife, Betty Richardson, his parents and two brothers. He is survived by his brother Mack Richardson and wife Ann of Pensacola, FL and sister Nancy Ratley of Beaumont. He is also survived by his daughters Cindy King and husband Billy of Plano and Brenda Guidry and husband Randy of Evadale, and his son Nathan Richardson and wife Laurie of Evadale. Gilbert also left behind loving grandchildren April Tolbert, Robert Day, Christopher Day, Amanda Richardson, Julee Ferguson, Cindy Ferguson, Rikki Ferguson, Clint Richardson, Gage Marshall and Hope Richardson; one great grandson Seth Crumpton and extended family, Rachel Guidry, Claire Lejune, Charlie Guidry and Jordan Guidry, plus a host of nieces, nephews, Masonic brothers and loving friends.
The family would like to recognize the wonderful care he was given during his most recent illnesses from St. Elizabeth Hospital, and the loving caregivers who made his last days comfortable.
Funeral services will be 2:00 pm Sunday, March 16, 2008 at Central Baptist Church in Evadale with interment following in Antioch Cemetery in Buna. Visitation will begin at 5:00 pm Friday at Farmer Funeral Home.
