Gilbert George Schultz

Gilbert George Schultz, age 94, of Odessa, Texas, passed away Thursday, August 31, 2023, following a short illness.  Visitation will be held at Sunset Memorial Funeral Home Tuesday, September 5, 2023, from 6 PM to 8 PM. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, September 6, 2023, at 2:00 PM.  Services will be officiated by Reverend Adrianne Coleman and Jon Hendricks of Highland United Methodist Church.

Gilbert was born July 13, 1929, in Holmwood, LA, to George Fred Schultz and Anna Elizabeth Roth Schultz. He grew up in the Bowie, Texas area and after graduation he went to work for Southwestern Bell Telephone Company in Graham, Texas and was eventually transferred to Odessa, Texas.  Gilbert was a longtime employee of SWB and AT&T and was a mentor and friend to many young men over the years until his retirement in 1985.

Gilbert was drafted into the Army during the Korean War.  He served in Germany from March 1951 to December 1952 where he received several service awards and was discharged with full honors as Sergeant 1^st Class.  Upon returning home after his service time, he returned to work for SWB and continued his life adventures.  He was a handsome young man and took pride in his work and his vehicles as he would reminisce to his friends, family, and colleagues over the years.

Gilbert met the love of his life, Mary Jo Collins, on a blind date in Carlsbad, N.M. where Mary Jo was a schoolteacher and a friend of his Klienhan cousin.  They were married June 17, 1956, in Fort Towson, Oklahoma and lived a loving life together until Mary Jo’s death in 2011.

Gilbert was a social butterfly and cherished many friendships from his coffee buddies at the Copper Kettle, his walking friends at the mall and his Christian friends at Highland Methodist Church where he was a longtime member.  A man with a funny joke and a big heart, he was loved by many and will be sorely missed.

Gilbert is preceded in death by his parents, his beloved wife, Mary Jo; his sister, Mae Ola Schultz Keel; and brother-in-law, James Keel.  He is survived by his nieces and nephews; George Harvey Keel and wife Alice, Janna Keel, Travis Keel and wife Diane, Cheryl Keel Douglas and husband Mark, Darlene Marie Crane and husband Pat; six grand-nieces and nephews; Tammy Keel Doan and Billy, George Greer and Amy, Lesley Keel Clinchard and Rob, Jacob Keel and Sonia, Crystal Keel Ojeda, Allison Lindsey Cooper and Clay; and twelve great grand nieces and nephews.  Gilbert will also be remembered by many friends and extended family members.

Honorary Pallbearers:

Mark Stephens, Robert Dunn, Gabby Lawson, Leo Pereida, Danny Boland

Memorials may be made in Gilbert’s name to a charity of your choice or Highland Methodist Church.

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