Melvin Warren Gilbert

Graveside service for Melvin Warren ‘Mel’ Gilbert, age 86, of Saint Jo was held at 2:00 PM on Saturday, February 10, 2024 at Starkey Cemetery in Montague County, Texas. The funeral was led by Minister Frank Johnson, one of Mel’s many customers turned friends. Pallbearers were Don Thomas, Trey Wilkins, Brian Wolf, Steve Gillis, Andrew Grey, and Keith Brookshire. Visitations were held from 6:00-8:00 PM on Friday, February 9, 2024 and from 12:00-1:45 PM on Saturday, February 10, 2024 at Scott Funeral Home in Saint Jo. Mel was born on October 11, 1937 in Point, Texas to Lola Bell Anderson and Willie Warren Gilbert. He passed from this world on February 7, 2024. Mel enjoyed working and had various careers throughout his life including as an installer for Lone Star Gas, a Dallas Police Officer, and a 3M Salesman. Covering four states, Mel sold diamonds and solid jewelry for Town and Country Jewelry. In 1968, Mel met the love of his life, Lois Doshier. They were married on May 3, 1969 in Lone Oak. Together, they traveled as Mel sold Jewelry. After many years of various sales, Mel found his niche buying and selling over salvage and distressed freight. Mel created Gilbert Enterprises in Dallas, Texas where he and his family operated a wholesale warehouse selling to other salvage dealers from all over the area for nearly 50 years. They operated retail locations in Loan Oak, Point, Balch Springs, Garland, and Saint Jo. Mel dedicated 35 years to Gilbert’s Freight Outlet off Highway 82 in Saint Jo. Due to age and health issues, Mel downsized by operating Mel’s Knife Shop. He sold knives, sharpeners, and custom hand tooled leather works. Mel’s sense of humor will be remembered fondly. On his childhood report cards, he got an ‘a’ for attitude. Mel enjoyed bartering with customers, who almost always became friends. He loved traveling, riding motorcycles, and farming. Mel was a self-taught man who enjoyed collecting, history, and great conversation with family and friends. He also loved anything old west and watching the show “Gun Smoke”. Mel was preceded in death by his parents: Lola Anderson and Willie Gilbert; sister: Arnice Earnhart; and grandson: Brady Watson. He is survived by his wife: Lois Gilbert; sons: Todd and wife Rachel Gilbert, and Wayne and wife Kaye Gilbert; grandchildren: Heather Gilbert, Holli Gilbert, and Matthew Gilbert; great grandchildren: Hayden Gilbert, and Henley Gilbert; and numerous extended family and friends.

Melvin Warren Gilbert

October 11, 1937 - February 7, 2024