Gilberto A. Buitron

Gilberto A. Buitron, 84, of Brownsville, TX, devoted husband, father, brother, and friend, entered into eternal rest January 1, 2019, Valley Regional Medical Center surrounded by his loving family. He was born in Brownsville, TX on December 14, 1934. He is preceded in death by his parents Ramon G. Buitron and Josefina A. Buitron; wife Magdalena B. Buitron. Left to cherish his memory are his children Gilbert (Francine) Buitron, Patricia (Juan Miguel) Gonzalez, Laura C. (Patrick) Dekker; brother Ramon A. Buitron; grandchildren Arturo Joel “A.J.” Gonzalez, Emma Nicole Gonzalez, Olivia Maria Dekker, and Sophia Cecilia Dekker. Gilberto graduated from Brownsville High School in 1954. He enlisted in the U.S. Army and served his country for 2 years and returned to Brownsville where he worked for E. de la Garza Wholesale Company, where he worked for over 40 years. In 1963, he married the love of his life, Magdalena Bazan and they eventually had 3 children. In 1983, Gilberto graduated from UTPA with a degree in Business Administration. Gilberto enjoyed serving his community. In the 1990’s he served on several boards including the Brownsville Economic Development Council. Gilberto was a life member Third Degree of the Knights of Columbus and a member of the West Brownsville Lions Club for 23 years. He served as secretary, treasurer, vice president and president. He was named Lion of the Year in 2009 and he received the Melvin Jones Fellow Award in 2002-2003, the highest honor a Lion Member can receive. He loved serving his community through the West Brownsville Lions, especially coordinating the meals to feed those in need at the Good Neighbor Settlement Home and participating in the Texas Lions Youth Camp. Gilberto was a loving husband, father and grandfather who loved spending time with his family and friends, working in his garden, and dancing with his wife of 51 years. He valued hard work, honesty, integrity and loyalty. He always had a great smile and a positive attitude. Gilberto will be missed by all who knew him. Visitation will be held Friday, January 4, 2019 from 1 to 9 p.m. with the recitation of the Holy Rosary at 7 p.m. at Sunset Memorial Funeral Home & Crematory. Funeral mass will be held on Saturday, January 5, 2019 at 11 a.m. at St. Luke’s Catholic Church with burial to follow at Rose Lawn Memorial Gardens.