T.E. (Tad) Gilbreath

T.E. (Tad) Gilbreath passed away Thursday, September 30, 2021, at the Three Oaks Retirement Center in Dublin, Texas. He was 103 years old. Services were held Monday, October 4 th at the Bobby Gilbreath Memorial Chapel in the Barbee Cemetery with Bro. Jim Clifton officiating.

Tad was born May 27, 1918, in Wilson, Texas to Gustine and Kate Gilbreath. He lived and attended school at Edna Hill, Texas graduating from Lueders High School. He married Willa Dean Johnson March 30, 1941. They were married for 76 years until her death in 2017. Tad served in World War II as an Army Communication Specialist on board the USS Barry. He maintained communication between 14 troop and supply ships for the duration of the war.

After World War II, Tad, Willa and their son, Robert (Bobby) moved to Iowa Park, Texas where he served in the Soil Conservation Service and later became Postmaster of Iowa Park. During this time, he served on numerous civic boards, including the Iowa Park School Board. Tragedy struck in 1962, when their son, Bobby, an accomplished high school and college athlete, died of encephalitis.

After retirement, Tad and Willa moved to the family farm at Edna Hill. They spent many happy years there where they raised cattle and were involved in church and community activities.

Tad is survived by his brothers, Gene Gilbreath and Harrell Gilbreath of Dublin, and by several nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Willa, his son, Bobby, and sisters Loree Miller and Virginia Gilbreath.

Memorial gifts may be made to the Barbee Cemetery Association, in care of Harrell Gilbreath 116 N. Camden, Dublin, Texas 76446.

The family would like to thank Three Oaks Retirement Center and CCS Hospice for their exceptional, loving care and compassion.