Gilbert Pilz's Obituary
Gilbert Brian Pilz
Funeral services for Gilbert Brian Pilz, 73, of Longview, will be at 1 pm on Monday, February 7, 2011, at First Presbyterian Church of Kilgore, with Rev. Dave Handley officiating. Mr. Pilz will have a private burial at the Kilgore City Cemetery. Visitation will be from 3 pm to 5 pm, Sunday, February 6, 2011, at Rader Funeral Home of Longview. Mr. Pilz passed away Thursday, February 3, 2011 in Longview.
Mr. Pilz was born October 11, 1937, in Elmwood Park, Illinois to Frank and Vonda Pilz, the youngest of six boys. He graduated from Proviso High School in 1955 and from Elmhurst College. He served honorably in the U.S. Army from 1958 to 1964. Mr. Pilz moved to Longview, Texas in 1982 from Milford, Michigan. He retired in 2002 from Kalmar Industries of White Oak, Texas, as company president.
He was preceded in death by parents Frank and Vonda Pilz, first wife Arlene Deuter Pilz, brothers Gordon, Robert, Herbert, and Douglas Pilz.
Survivors include his loving wife of 17 years, Marilyn Pilz of Longview; brother Eugene Pilz of Littleton, Colorado; daughter Lisa Adkins; daughter Sandra Koblich and Joel Koblich; and granddaughters Ashlie Adkins and Payton Koblich, all of Longview, Texas. He is also survived by step-sons William Morton Jr. and Luan Morton; Dixon Morton and his children Shea, Sarah, and Chance. Mr. Pilz also leaves behind his faithful friend and daily walking companion, Babe Dog.
Pallbearers will be Matthew Pilz, Tim Pilz, Dixon Morton, Joel Koblich, Henry Lamb, and Chance Morton.
Memorial Contributions may be made to First Presbyterian Church of Kilgore.
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