John Lee Gilbert, age 74, of Rucker, Texas, passed away peacefully at home on June 5, 2025. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, caregiver, rancher, and faithful servant of the Lord, John lived a life marked by quiet strength, steady faith, and tireless service.
Born March 22, 1951, in Gorman, Texas, to Jack Floyd and Lucille Underwood Gilbert, John was the youngest of four children. From an early age, he worked alongside his family on the land, developing the work ethic and resourcefulness that would define him throughout his life. Whether tending livestock, administering anesthesia, or building his mother-in-law’s house with his own hands, John approached every task with purpose and care. He had a gentle way with animals and a quiet sense of humor that revealed itself in surprising moments.
A lifelong learner, John was fascinated by how things were made and took pride in repurposing, repairing, and building with his hands. After graduating from Gorman High School in 1969, he attended Abilene Christian University before graduating from the University of Texas at Austin in 1974. He went on to complete anesthesia residency in Wichita Falls in 1977 and became a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA). After two years in Wichita Falls, John returned to the De Leon area in 1979 where he faithfully served rural hospitals until his retirement in 2018.
