Eilers

Gilbert A. Eilers, 96, of Fayetteville, peacefully returned home, entering the arms of his Lord, on Wednesday, Oct. 19, 2016. Gilbert was born in Haw Creek, Texas on Nov. 8, 1919, the son of Henry Fredrick Johann Eilers and Fredia Anny Hedwic (Schmidt) Eilers. He married Nettie Webb on Aug. 14, 1948 in Houston. Gilbert was a graduate of La Grange High School and proudly played for the La Grange Leopards football team. At the age of 21, he was called to join the United States Army. In January, 1942, he was deployed to Dutch Harbor, Alaska. He spent the next three years serving his country as partof the Asiatic-Pacific Theater. On October 20, 1945, he was honorably discharged from the military as Corporal and was awarded the Good Conduct medal for his service. Upon returning from war, Gilbert made his home in Houston and began working, with his twin brother, at WKM - a division of ACF Industries. Over the years, he rose through the professional ranks to becomea Senior Manufacturing Engineer. Gilbert retired from WKM after 42 years of dedicated service. After retirement, he and Nettie built a home on the original Oldenburg homestead and moved there in 1985. In retirement,Gilbert returned to a life of farm work. He raised cattle,  planted large gardens and harvested his peach and pecan trees. He liked making and sharing his homemade peachand plum wine. He truly loved life on the farm. Gilbert and Nettie also enjoyed traveling  and would often pack up the car for month-long camping trips. At home, the two of them had a busy social life filled with dances and parties. Gilbert lovingly restored his father’s 1951 Ford. He proudly debuted his labor of love at the Round Top 4th of July parade. He was a football enthusiast. He was thrilled to have attended big games such as the 2000 BCS National Championship, Super Bowl XVII and Super Bowl XXII. He loved watching high school football and wasalways excited for a La Grange  Leopards’ win. He was a 50-year member and Master Mason of Masonic Lodges Reagan Lodge No. 1037 I Houston, and LaFayette Lodge No. 34 in La Grange, and a member of the VFW La Grange Post No. 5254. Gilbert was a faithful servant of the Lord, Jesus Christ. His heart was filled with love and honor for his gracious Father and did not begin his day until he had read his devotionaland spent time in the Word. He is survived by his loving  sister, Glennie Eilers Oppermann, with whom he shared his first and last day of this life. His devoted children: daughter, Sharon Eilers Rhome of Oldenburg; son, Stanley and wife, Jill (Clemmensen) Eilers, of Destrehan, La.; and daughter, Terry Eilers May of Frelsburg; his adoring grandchildren: Nicole Rhome Thompson and husband, Chris Thompson; Brett Byron Rhome; Taylor Ann (Eilers) Simon and husband, Scott Simon; Stacy Lynn May; Taryn Marie Eilers and Cody Dan May; his beloved great-grandchildren: Joshua James Thompson, Rachel Nicole Thompson, Caroline Grace Simon and Samuel Charles Simon; as well as his sister-in-law, Joyce Eilers and many dear nieces, nephews and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Nettie (Webb) Eilers; twin brother, Barney A. Eilers; brother-in-law, Arthur Oppermann; son-in-law, Wayne May; and godchild, Fred Oppermann. Visitation was held on Saturday, Oct. 22, 2016 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Koenig & Strickland Funeral Home. Family received friends from 4 to 6 p.m. Funeral services were held at St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church in La Grange at 3 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 23, 2016. Burial followed at La Grange City Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church, P.O. Box 567, La Grange, Texas 78945. Family and friends can view and sign the guestbook online at www.lagrangefunerals.com. Koenig & Strickland Funeral Home in La Grange was in charge of arrangements.