Roger Herbert Gilpin passed away peacefully in his home on June 25th of 2022.
He was born in Greentown, Pennsylvania on June 29th of 1941. Roger moved to Laredo, Texas as a teenager and attended Martin High School. He spent most of his spare time during his high school years working at the family business, White’s Landing. After he graduated from high school, he worked on ranches in Webb County until he joined the Air Force in 1963. After he came home from the Air Force he worked for Uniroyal for a short time and then worked for CP&L until he retired. Throughout his years with CP&L and after, he leased ranches and enjoyed ranching with his sons. In his later years, he and his sons bought a ranch together near Encinal in an area that he had always really liked. For the last 14 years, he enjoyed that ranch with his sons, his grandchildren and his wife. In recent months he was able to reflect on many great things that he appreciated about the life he lived.
He was preceded in death by his father Herbert Gilpin, his stepfather Sonny White, his mother Lillian White and his nephew Lance Beard.
He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Vita Rehm Gilpin; his sons David Hardcastle (Laura), Judd Gilpin (Lulu), Casey Gilpin and Chad Gilpin (Charlotte); his siblings Jack Gilpin (Billie) and Tammie Beard (Glenn); his nephews and nieces Barry Gilpin (Debbie), Patsy Schwab (Mike), Cindy Havelka (Glen) and Hayley Kowis (Carl); his grandchildren, Morgan Gilpin, Brit Gilpin, Alexandra Hardcastle, Amanda Hardcastle, Cora Gilpin and Clark Gilpin; and his great niece Hannah Leyendecker (Jonathan).
He has seen his last round-up in this world and is now off to that eternal round-up in heaven. He was a good man, a good husband, a good father and a good friend. He will be missed by many and thought of often.
The family will be receiving guests on Friday, July 1, 2022, at Fred Dickey Funeral & Cremation Services from 9:30 am to 10:30 am followed by Military Honors by the Laredo Veterans Honor Guard and Presentation of the U.S. Flag will be provided by the U.S. Air Force Honor Guard.
In lieu of flowers “Donations to the Rockwood Cemetery would be greatly appreciated” checks can be mailed to P.O. Box 695 Rockwood Texas 76873.
Funeral arrangements are by Fred Dickey Funeral & Cremation Services, 1320 Trey Dr., Laredo, Texas 78041 (956) 723-3611. For your convenience, you may leave your condolences to the family online at www.freddickey.com
From 1955 - 1962, Laredo became hometown for my brother, David and me. Being from an Air Force family, it was the longest we were stationed in my own pre-Army years. White's Landing was our teenage hangout while Jack and Roger cooked. Roger was our FONZ in the Happy Days of my youth. He was always above it all, and the peacemaker. We hunted, fished, parked cars in a cirlcle, and drank beer around a fire at Lake Casa Blanca. When the pile of discarded beer cans got high, a picture of them appeared the the Laredo paper, with the caption, "Mountain of Trouble." Actually, it kept us out of trouble because we were in one spot, and we liked each other. The perfect way, and place to "grow" up. No drugs, cartels, or problem "crossing the river" for a bottle of rum for the house parties. I left there in 1962, flunked around college in Illinois at my father's next assignment, and then enlisted in the US Army in 1965 to begin writing my own story in the US Army Special Forces (Green Berets) for the next 25 years. In 1983, I was selected to be in one of the first 15 Special Forces enlistedmen to be promoted to Special Forces Warrant Officer, and I commanded an A-Team. I retired in 1990, returned to college, and graduated, Cum Laude. Thanks for the memories, Roger.
Sorry for the late condolence! I was not aware of Roger's (Mr Gilpin) passing. I met him many years ago when he would stop by our store, Prontos at the base, Always enjoyed his stories and wisdom. So sorry for your loss Jose and Jessica Santos
My belated Condolences to Gilpin family Roger was a good friend and follow employee at Uniroyal. RIP
Via, Judd, Casey Chad, I am very sorry to hear of you loss.I have many fond memories of y'all coming to Corpus and of us visiting y'all in Laredo. Mr. Roger is missed deeply. V\R William A. "Cuatro" Dobie IV
On behalf of the Joseph Mendiola Family, we extend our sincerest condolences to the Gilpin Family.
Our sincere Condolences to the Gilpin family. Our prayers and thoughts are with you all. May he Rest in Peace. Bullet, Janie, JC and Christine Sanchez
We are so sorry for your loss. A beautiful soul has passed , but the memories shall never fade. May God be with your family in this difficult time. The Gilpin family is in our thoughts and prayers. With deepest sympathy…. Fernando “Bear” & Ana Barrera
We are saddened to hear of Roger’s passing and our heartfelt condolences go out to Vita and the whole Gilpin family. Nancy and John Chamberlain
My condolences to the Gilpin family. Roger was one of the kindest and most hardworking person I have ever known. He will be missed by everyone who knew him. Rest In Peace. David
I am sad to hear of the passing of Roger, we go way back to "Whites Landing". I will be out of town on July 1st, much love to the family. - Tommy Ringwood
Our sincere condolences to the Gilpin Family during this time. May the Lord welcome Roger with open arms. Bob & Queta Simpson and family May this poem help console you: I am always with you. When I am gone, release me, let me go. I have so many things to see and do, You mustn't tie yourself to me with too many tears, But be thankful we had so many good years. I gave you my love, and you can only guess How much you've given me in happiness. I thank you for the love that you have shown, But now it is time I traveled on alone. So grieve for me a while, if grieve you must Then let your grief be comforted, comforted by trust That it is only for a while that we must part, So treasure the memories within your heart. I won't be far away for life goes on. And if you need me, call and I will come. Though you can't see or touch me, I will always be near And if you listen with your heart, you'll hear All my love around you, soft and clear And then, when you come this way alone, I'll greet you with a smile and a "Welcome Home”
My most profound condolences. Daniel P. Sharkey
Rest in Peace and God Bless Roger. It was a great pleasure knowing you. My deepest condolences to you, Casey, Judd, Jack, and the rest of the family. Jack D.
Our condolence to the Gilpin family. Our prayers are with you.
The White's Landing Gang will always be my hometown group. Ride safe Roger.
Ms. Vita and sons, I am sorry to hear of the passing of Mr. Roger, my thoughts and prayers are with you all. Rest In Peace Mr. Roger. Mary Beard
Michael and I want to extend our most sincere condolences to Vita and the Gilpin family. We are so sad to hear of your great loss. As our neighbor, Mr. Gilpin was such an influence in our boy's lives growing up! Such a fine, strong, kind-hearted gentleman. The many kindnesses you both extended to our family did not go un-noticed, and he will never be forgotten. He was a man from the "Greatest Generation", who endured many hardships in his lifetime; yet always stood ready to help out his fellow man. Never expected anything in return, and a simple handshake was as good as gold. We are so privileged to have know him. He will be greatly missed, and we will be here for you Vita! Keeping you and your wonderful family in our prayers, God bless you and keep you always.
Vita, So sorry for your loss. Please extend my condolences to the whole family. May he rest in peace!
So sorry to hear about the passing of Roger. Our sincere condolences and prayers for all the family.
Mrs. Gilpin and sons, I very sorry to hear about your loss. My prayers are with you all. May Roger Rest in Peace. Your Friend Lucy Sauceda
Date: Friday, July 1, 2022
Time: 9:30 am - 10:30 am
Fred Dickey Funeral & Cremation Services
Address:
January 2, 2019
November 22, 1963
Our sincere condolences.
The staff of Fred Dickey Funeral & Cremation Services.
From 1955 - 1962, Laredo became hometown for my brother, David and me. Being from an Air Force family, it was the longest we were stationed in my own pre-Army years. White's Landing was our teenage hangout while Jack and Roger cooked. Roger was our FONZ in the Happy Days of my youth. He was always above it all, and the peacemaker. We hunted, fished, parked cars in a cirlcle, and drank beer around a fire at Lake Casa Blanca. When the pile of discarded beer cans got high, a picture of them appeared the the Laredo paper, with the caption, "Mountain of Trouble." Actually, it kept us out of trouble because we were in one spot, and we liked each other. The perfect way, and place to "grow" up. No drugs, cartels, or problem "crossing the river" for a bottle of rum for the house parties. I left there in 1962, flunked around college in Illinois at my father's next assignment, and then enlisted in the US Army in 1965 to begin writing my own story in the US Army Special Forces (Green Berets) for the next 25 years. In 1983, I was selected to be in one of the first 15 Special Forces enlistedmen to be promoted to Special Forces Warrant Officer, and I commanded an A-Team. I retired in 1990, returned to college, and graduated, Cum Laude. Thanks for the memories, Roger.
Sorry for the late condolence! I was not aware of Roger's (Mr Gilpin) passing. I met him many years ago when he would stop by our store, Prontos at the base, Always enjoyed his stories and wisdom. So sorry for your loss Jose and Jessica Santos
My belated Condolences to Gilpin family Roger was a good friend and follow employee at Uniroyal. RIP
Via, Judd, Casey Chad, I am very sorry to hear of you loss.I have many fond memories of y'all coming to Corpus and of us visiting y'all in Laredo. Mr. Roger is missed deeply. V\R William A. "Cuatro" Dobie IV
On behalf of the Joseph Mendiola Family, we extend our sincerest condolences to the Gilpin Family.
Our sincere Condolences to the Gilpin family. Our prayers and thoughts are with you all. May he Rest in Peace. Bullet, Janie, JC and Christine Sanchez
We are so sorry for your loss. A beautiful soul has passed , but the memories shall never fade. May God be with your family in this difficult time. The Gilpin family is in our thoughts and prayers. With deepest sympathy…. Fernando “Bear” & Ana Barrera
We are saddened to hear of Roger’s passing and our heartfelt condolences go out to Vita and the whole Gilpin family. Nancy and John Chamberlain
My condolences to the Gilpin family. Roger was one of the kindest and most hardworking person I have ever known. He will be missed by everyone who knew him. Rest In Peace. David
I am sad to hear of the passing of Roger, we go way back to "Whites Landing". I will be out of town on July 1st, much love to the family. - Tommy Ringwood
Our sincere condolences to the Gilpin Family during this time. May the Lord welcome Roger with open arms. Bob & Queta Simpson and family May this poem help console you: I am always with you. When I am gone, release me, let me go. I have so many things to see and do, You mustn't tie yourself to me with too many tears, But be thankful we had so many good years. I gave you my love, and you can only guess How much you've given me in happiness. I thank you for the love that you have shown, But now it is time I traveled on alone. So grieve for me a while, if grieve you must Then let your grief be comforted, comforted by trust That it is only for a while that we must part, So treasure the memories within your heart. I won't be far away for life goes on. And if you need me, call and I will come. Though you can't see or touch me, I will always be near And if you listen with your heart, you'll hear All my love around you, soft and clear And then, when you come this way alone, I'll greet you with a smile and a "Welcome Home”
My most profound condolences. Daniel P. Sharkey
Rest in Peace and God Bless Roger. It was a great pleasure knowing you. My deepest condolences to you, Casey, Judd, Jack, and the rest of the family. Jack D.
Our condolence to the Gilpin family. Our prayers are with you.
The White's Landing Gang will always be my hometown group. Ride safe Roger.
Ms. Vita and sons, I am sorry to hear of the passing of Mr. Roger, my thoughts and prayers are with you all. Rest In Peace Mr. Roger. Mary Beard
Michael and I want to extend our most sincere condolences to Vita and the Gilpin family. We are so sad to hear of your great loss. As our neighbor, Mr. Gilpin was such an influence in our boy's lives growing up! Such a fine, strong, kind-hearted gentleman. The many kindnesses you both extended to our family did not go un-noticed, and he will never be forgotten. He was a man from the "Greatest Generation", who endured many hardships in his lifetime; yet always stood ready to help out his fellow man. Never expected anything in return, and a simple handshake was as good as gold. We are so privileged to have know him. He will be greatly missed, and we will be here for you Vita! Keeping you and your wonderful family in our prayers, God bless you and keep you always.
Vita, So sorry for your loss. Please extend my condolences to the whole family. May he rest in peace!
So sorry to hear about the passing of Roger. Our sincere condolences and prayers for all the family.
Mrs. Gilpin and sons, I very sorry to hear about your loss. My prayers are with you all. May Roger Rest in Peace. Your Friend Lucy Sauceda
Fred Dickey Funeral & Cremation Services
Our sincere condolences.
The staff of Fred Dickey Funeral & Cremation Services.