Gilbert Saldana
Gilbert Saldana, 89, of Beaumont, died peacefully on the morning of Saturday, December 23rd, 2023. He was born in a house on 945 Bonham Street in Beaumont on Friday, September 28th, 1934, to Elias Saldana and Encarnación Llames. Gilbert graduated from Beaumont High School in May of 1952 and married Lupe Saldana on November 11th, 1955. He was a life-long resident of Beaumont and a virtual encyclopedia of Beaumont’s history and families.
While in the Navy, serving from 1957 until 1959, he crossed the Equator two times and went to both the Artic Circle and the Antarctic Circle. He also went to England, Norway, Greece, Lebanon, Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay and several other countries as well as Cuba where he served as interpreter between the U.S. Navy and Fidel Castro before the Cuban Revolution.
Gilbert attended Templo Bautista in Beaumont as a child. After getting married he attended St. John Lutheran Church, serving as an elder and president of the congregation for many years. Later in life he attended Redeemer Lutheran Church until his death.
As a cancer survivor, Gilbert was very active in the Gift of Life Program in Beaumont. He was also a decades long member of the YMBL of Beaumont, volunteering for them at the South Texas State Fair almost every year until very recently. He was also known as “Mr. Santa Claus” due to his involvement with the Beaumont Enterprise’s annual Empty Stocking Fund which gave toys to underprivileged children in the area. Being fluent in both Spanish and English helped in interviewing all needy families and he took great delight in specifically asking each child what they wanted for Christmas.
Survivors include sons, Raymond Saldana and wife, Karen, and Andrew Saldana and wife, Monique; grandchildren, Brittainey Saldana and husband, Stephen Sanders; Rachel Saldana; Lance Saldana and wife, Myrka; Anne-Marie Saldana; and Natalie Saldana; and great-grandson, Liam Saldana.
He was preceded in his death by his wife, his parents, his brother, Antonio, and sisters, Mary, Petra, Elisa, Lupe, and Elisa “Chiquita”.
Memorial contributions for Mr. Saldana may be made to Gift of Life, 2390 Dowlen Road, Beaumont, Texas 77706.
A gathering of Mr. Saldana’s family and friends will be from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., Friday, January 5, 2024, at Broussard’s, 2000 McFaddin Avenue, Beaumont. His funeral service will be 11:00 a.m., Saturday, January 6, 2024, at Broussard’s, with his entombment to follow at Magnolia Cemetery, Beaumont.
Video
Gathering of Family and Friends
Broussard’s Mortuary McFaddin Ave.
- 2000, Mcfaddin Avenue, Beaumont, Texas, 77701,
- January 5, 2024
- 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Funeral Service
Broussard’s Mortuary McFaddin Ave.
- 2000, Mcfaddin Avenue, Beaumont, Texas, 77701,
- January 6, 2024
- 11:00 am
Entombment
Magnolia Cemetery
- 2291, Pine St, Beaumont, TX, 77703,
- January 6, 2024
So sorry for your loss. I remember Mr. Saldana and his wife from the Lutheran church in Beaumont
down town. Such a nice family.
My condolences to you and your family. I wish you peace and comfort during this difficult time.
RIP Gil. I know Lou is happy to have you by her side once again. You will be deeply missed at Redeemer Lutheran Church. We even spoke of you when we were picking up the left over poinsettias. You always took the left overs and planted them and they bloomed year after year.
Prayers for peace and comfort for friends and family during this time.
Sending the family all of our love and deepest condolence. Uncle Gilbert was such a loving man that will be remembered for always having a smile on his face. Keeping you all in our thoughts and prayers.
Love,
The Cardonas (Melissa, Juan, and Kenzo)
Sending the family all of our love and deepest condolence. Uncle Gilbert was such a loving person and will be remembered for always having a smile on his face. Keeping you all in our thoughts and prayers.
Love,
The Cardonas (Melissa, Juan, and Kenzo)
Ray, my heartfelt condolences to your family! Praying for and wishing you and your family peace and comfort during this trying time.
THIS IS US!
Ray, my sincerest condolences to your family! Praying for you and your love ones.
Raymond & Andy & your families,
Gilbert was a great example of a Christian husband, father & grandfather as well as a Christian friend & servant leader. Sending you all prayers of sympathy & comfort & peace as you remember him – knowing we’ll all be joined in heaven again. Blessings.
My deepest condolences to you and your family. I pray God will give you strength, comfort, and peace during this difficult time.
Our deepest condolences for Mr. Saldańa. He was one of a kind. Such a blessing to have him as a neighbor for so many years. May he rest in Heaven with his sweet wife.
Condolences to the family. May the Lord give you peace and strength during this time. RIP Mr. Saldana.
I wish you and your family peace and comfort.
My condolences to the family. I pray for the family’s comfort during this time.
Mr. Saldana was one of a kind. I can remember as far back as little league baseball. He always was full of energy and vigor and a great story to tell! Always enjoyed when our paths would cross over the years. He always had a smile and interesting fact to share. What a great life he had. Prayers for the entire family and I wish him eternal peace.
As his neighbor for many years before moving from my mom’s home, I knew and remember Mr. Saldana well. I will remember his warm smile and him always having a word of encouragement for me and my brothers while we were growing up. He was also willing to go to the fullest extent possible for anyone in my family, and that was never taken lightly and always appreciated. Love you Mr. Gilbert and you will be truly missed.
Gilbert & I belonged to the same Church for years.I vI always thought highly of Gilbert,Lupe,Andy,& Raymond,I would like to express my condolences to all surviving family.Memory eternal!
Gilbert was a very nice man, always very friendly. He worked with my husband at NAPA,, and Jack thought a lot of him. RIP, Gilbert!
Mr. Saldana was one of the sweetest and coolest men ever! I loved his smile and welcoming hand wave when her saw you. He loved his wife, boys and their families so dearly and it showed. I have many wonderful memories of he and his wife.
Please know I will be praying for your all.
Kathi