Gilbert Delisle, Jr.

Gilbert Peter DeLisle, Jr., was born May 20, 1931, to Gilbert Peter DeLisle and Marie Ursula Durivage DeLisle, in Dallas, Texas.  At the age of seven, Gilbert, nicknamed Gib (Big spelled backwards, as he told everyone) and his family moved to Houston, TX.  He attended St. Anne’s Catholic School and graduated from St. Thomas High School in 1949.  He enrolled in the University of Houston, and after two years, enrolled in the US Navy during the Korean War.  Those two years were spent in Waikiki.  Upon completion he reenrolled in the University of Houston and graduated with a degree in Geology.  He ended up working in Lafayette during the early 60’s as a salesman for various oil companies.

He returned to Houston during the downturn of the oil industry and chose to pursue a career in commercial real estate and investments.  He was very active with various service clubs in Houston – one being the Exchange Club – Memorial Chapter where he was a charter member and a driving force in establishing the Escape Center for abused women and children.  He served as the Texas District President of the Exchange Club.  He was instrumental in organizing a gala in Dallas – Stars for Children – a benefit held to raise money for the Escape Center.  The Oakridge Boys, Larry Gatlin, and several other musical groups donated their time for this extravaganza.

In 1986, again with the downturn of the oil industry, Gib took a sabbatical for a year and moved to the Baja Peninsula, making new friends and enjoying new experiences, which he did all of his life.  Upon his return he partnered up with a friend and bought Keystone Title Company in Waller County, Hempstead, TX.  In 1993 he met the love of his life, Carole Landry Bernard.  Approaching the age of 70, and having never been married, the couple was married in Port O’Connor, TX, on May 7, 2001.  It became apparent shortly after the wedding that Carole’s aging mother and aunt in Cankton, LA, needed family nearby.  Gib and Carole have made their home in Lafayette for the past 20 years.  When asked if he had a problem moving to Louisiana, since he knew few people, his answer was always “they haven’t met me yet.”

In 2004 Gib inaugurated a meeting of the Louisiana Winemakers’ Guild – Acadiana Chapter, which is still active today.  Through the years he has guided many, teaching them how to make “good” wine.  He was active in several national winemaker organizations and won many awards for his wine.

Gib is survived by his wife, Carole, step-daughter Dana McPhearson and her husband, Dean, of The Woodlands, TX, and step-son Scott Bernard of Dallas, two step-grandchildren, Leah McPhearson and Ian McPhearson of The Woodlands, TX.  He is also survived by a special niece, Fleta Gantenbein, of Freeport, TX, and special nephew, Michael Abell, of Powder Springs, GA.  He was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers Jim and John, and his sister, Mary Ann Abell.

The viewing will be from 3:00 to 7:00, Sunday, January 16, with the Rosary at 5:00 led by Denese Copeland.   The funeral home will open at 8:00 a.m., Monday, January 17, with services at 11:00 with Deacon David Menard officiating.  Burial will follow immediately in St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Cemetery in Grand Coteau.  Pallbearers will be Dr. Bill Mayer, Buddy Oakes, Mark Rogers, Barry Comeau, Jack Ainsworth, and Calvin Carter.  Honorary pallbearers are Raymond Shaw, Bengy Rougeau, David Boxie and all members of the Winemakers Guild.

Special thanks to Dr. Gus Ingraldi for his compassionate care and house calls, Audubon Hospice especially Beryl Dore, and our wonderful caregiver Lisa Alexander.

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to St. Jude Childrens Research Hospital in memory of Mr. Gilbert DeLisle or to a charity of their choice.

Words of Comfort to the family may be expressed at www.sibillefuneralhomes.com. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Sibille Funeral Home of Grand Coteau.