Wilbert O. Gully

Wilbert Gully, 96, of San Angelo died Wednesday morning, August 31, 2016 at his home. Wilbert was born at the family home near Ballinger, Texas on April 12, 1920 to Frank J. and Agnes Gottschalk Gully. When he was five years old, the family moved to a farm east of Rowena, Texas. Wilbert attended St. Joseph’s Catholic School and then farmed full-time with his father. He was drafted at the beginning of World War II into the Army Air Corps and became part of the “Wolfpack” unit of the 38th Bomb Group which served in the Pacific Theatre. He had many experiences including surviving a plane crash into the ocean off the coast of New Guinea. His crew floated in the ocean for 24 hours before being rescued by a Dutch seaplane. He attained the rank of Staff Sergeant and returned home after the end of the war. After the war, Wilbert continued his love for airplanes by getting a private pilot’s license. He was part of a group of recreational pilots that often flew together around the area. In 1953, he married Grace Hoelscher in San Angelo and they soon moved to a farm in the Wall area south of San Angelo and began their family. As the drought of the fifties hit, he took a day job at Goodfellow AFB as a clerk typist to supplement the farm income. He was often seen on his tractor very early in the morning and was back in the field after he got home from his job at the base. In 1956, the rains came and the family continued to grow, and soon he and Grace expanded the farm operation into the Eola and Mereta areas. He was active in St. Ambrose Catholic Church in Wall as well as many farming organizations. Wilbert often said that if you only get to live 100 years, he was fortunate to have been born when he was. Until the early 1900’s very little had changed in agriculture. Born in 1920, he experienced farming with mules and horses. He saw the start of the industrial revolution which brought running water into houses, then electricity, and even telephones. He was proud that he saw all of the farm advancements up until today where high tech farm tractors are now guided by satellites. He still has his Dad’s first tractor, a 1934 steel-wheeled Oliver. He said until now, it has been the most interesting 100 years in history. After retirement he continued to love driving through the fields and watching the crops grow. When he no longer drove himself, he continued to enjoy rides with his family and the caregivers. He and his son-in-law, Chip, were part of the coffee club at the local cotton gins in the mornings. He was a true gentlemen and cherished his wife and the family she blessed him with. He is survived by his five children and 14 grandchildren including: daughter Carol (Chip) Lightfoot and children Will (Amy) and Erin (Damian); son Allen (Kim) Gully and children Whitney, Tyler and Allison; son Kenny (Linda) Gully and children Matthew, Hannah, Kenzie and Jarrett; son Gene (Wanda) Gully and children Ethan and Brandon; and daughter Elaine (Johnny) Beach and children Kelsey, Jason and Ashley. He is also survived by his brothers Quentin of San Jose California, Frank (Dolores), Monsignor Bernard of Big Spring Texas and Robert of Houston Texas and his sister Adeline Fuchs. Surviving in-laws include Bernice Gully, Billie Jean Hoelscher, Willard (Maxine) Hoelscher, and Bill Hoelscher. He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Grace, his parents, his brothers Alois (Marilyn), Harvey, and brother-in-law Walter Fuchs. Also, preceding him in death were Elo (Magdaline) Hoelscher, Elmer (Betty) Hoelscher, Laurene (Eino) Bjorn, Bernice (Ray) Hosack, Melvin Hoelscher, and Mabel (Myron) Namken. Heartfelt appreciation goes to his caregivers, Diana, Jessica, Juanita, Destiny, Irma, and Maria along with Kindred at Home Hospice. A Vigil Service will be at 6 p.m. Sunday, September 4th at St. Ambrose Catholic Church in Wall with Deacon Allan Lange celebrating. A celebration of the Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10 a.m. Monday, September 5th at St. Ambrose with Monsignor Bernard Gully celebrating. Grandsons will serve as pallbearers. Burial will follow in the St. Ambrose Catholic Cemetery. Arrangements are with Harper’s Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to St. Ambrose Religious Education Fund, P.O. Box 228, Wall, Texas 76957 or charity of your choice. Family and friends may share condolences and sign the online register book at www.harper-funeralhome.com.