"Gilbert, 66 years young, passed away on June 16, 2022. He was born on July 9, 1955, in Corpus Christi, Texas, to Valentin and Margarita Riojas. He was the youngest of seven siblings, all close, who nicknamed Gillis growing up until he grew out of it and was later referred to as Big Gil. A loving father and grandfather, Gilbert with his big heart, was a very giving and caring man, always willing to help others in any way he could any time he could. He was a member of Love and Grace Church for many years and loved his fellow members. His favorite gospel song was also one of his mother's favorites, Jesus Loves Me, that he loved to sing along with during services. The last six years of his life, he resided at the Retama Manor nursing home, where he loved to socialize with his fellow residents as well as the wonderful staff. We the family would like to thank the staff of Retama Manor, and the hospice team, for taking great care of him during his time there. Gilbert is preceded in death by his parents, Valentin F. Riojas, and Margarita L. Riojas, as well as one sister, Olga L. Riojas, and three brothers, Antonio (Tony) L. Riojas, Guadalupe (Lupe) L. Riojas, and Jimmy L. Riojas. He is survived by his three children, Angel M. Riojas, Gilbert W. Riojas, and J. Valerie Austin, two brothers, Rudy L. Riojas (Virginia) and Valentin L. Riojas, and two sisters, Maria A. Guerrero, and Sylvia L. Rodriguez, and many loving nieces and nephews. Gilbert passed peacefully from this life with family close to him as he left to meet our Lord and Savior."

Memorial services will be held on Thursday, June 30, 2022 at 4:00 p.m. at Love & Grace Church of God 1559 Brownlee, Corpus Christi, Texas 78404.