John Wilbeck

Gilbert John Wilbeck Jr, born May 16th, 1938, passed away on May 9, 2024, surrounded by his loving family and the presence of the Holy Spirit. He was preceded in death by his wife of 57 years, Dorothy Frances Wilbeck, and is survived by his children, Mary and Patrick Soisson, Martha and Rick Eighme, Margaret and Harland Hoppock, Chris Wilbeck, Tom and Vicky Wilbeck, as well as Deon and Deshaun Alexander. John was grandfather to Katherine Soisson, Elizabeth Soisson, Mary Frances and Stephen Williams, Hunter and Lizette Eighme, Kaitlin Eighme, Zachary and Melanie Eighme, Colton Meadows, Hannah Meadows, Gabriel and Kayla Hoppock, Michael Hoppock, Alexis Blake, Christen Wilbeck, Kate Wilbeck, Sarah Ramirez, Rachel Vicente, Ashley House, Joshua Wilbeck, and Abby Wilbeck. John was known as Papa to all, especially his great-grandchildren, Eleanor Grace Williams, Emilia Lou Williams, Camden James Williams, and Adalyn Paige Hoppock.

John’s life was one of service and achievement. As the only child of Gilbert and Laura Lou Wilbeck, John attended St Thomas University and later gained a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering from The University of Texas. John began his career in the chemical industry as his young family grew. He later earned a master’s in business administration from Florida State University. John was faithfully dedicated to his church, serving on the finance committee for more than 40 years, and was instrumental in creating Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic School in Richwood, Texas. John provided the foundation upon which he and his wife Dorothy fostered countless children, providing a home filled with love and safety for those who needed it most.

He was known as John, Pop, Papa, and most affectionately as the Train Man, as he owned and operated the train store River View Trains for decades after he retired from Monsanto Chemical Company. His love of his family extended to his many cousins, nieces, and nephews, many of whom were his closest friends until his dying day. The thing about it is that in this life of complexity and worry, John craved a life of simplicity rooted in the values of his Catholic faith and the loving support of his family and friends.

John will be remembered at a viewing on Tuesday, May 14th at 5:00 pm and a Rosery offered at 6:00 pm at Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Angleton, Texas. The funeral service for John will be held on Wednesday, May 15th, at 10:00 am at Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church, with a graveside service at the family cemetery in Ashby immediately following. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church 1713 N Tinsley St, Angleton, TX 77515.