With great sorrow and bittersweet gratitude, the Mora, Lewis, Rhoades, Anderson, Harris, and Moore families announce the passing of our loving, brave father, grandfather, Gilbert Mora Sr.. known to friends as Gil. Born in Weslaco, Tx. to Juliana Mora.

At a very young age, he and his siblings worked as field produce pickers. His life was full of obstacles. Gilbert overcame poverty, being raised in a single parent home, losing a brother to motor vehicle accident and the challenge of balancing school and migrant life. His share of earnings went for the sake of the family. They traveled from all over, working long hours, and gaining a strong work ethic and family values. He enjoyed working with brothers, sisters, cousins and friends. As a young man, he learned to move houses as a family business and worked side by side with his brothers whom he loved fiercely. He worked with his hands and took great pride in all that he made. The sheer size of those hands awed most people. Working man's hands. From kites, for the kids, to picnic tables; he crafted.

He met and married Belia Garcia at 22. The two were married in 1960. They lived in Texas, moved to Washington and then Ohio. They enjoyed many years welcoming their five children along the way, Gilbert Jr, Carolina, Antonio, Baldemar and Juliana. Gil worked as a glass worker and forklift driver with Libby Owens Ford. As their lives changed, Gilberto committed himself to Belia and the children, maintaining a sense of normalcy, protection and care for their children. The couple spent many years prioritizing their children's needs well above their own. He became an impressive provider and protector while Belia remained the nurturing loving mother.

In 1978, Gilbert bravely brought his family back to Texas, settling in Sherman. He continued with his factory job until 1985 when he had a terrible accident, breaking several vertebrae. It took much effort tenacity and grit to come back from that accident. Although humbled, he was eventually able to walk and return to providing for Belia and their children.

As a young man, he was known for being immovable, tough and strict, but as an older man his love for his grandchildren and great grands softened and made him endearing. He loved, cutting a rug with his wife, dancing with his grandkids holding them up and swaying in circles to ranchero music. The belting of El Rancho Grande and made-up tunes were the best to have witnessed!

Gilbert was an unconventional man. He was known for his quick wit, and funny fairytales (stories with a twist such as, Little Red Riding on the Hood). His smile was his best feature and it extended all through his eyes.

He is survived by his loving wife, Belia, children, Gilbert Mora Jr, Carolina (Robert) Lewis, Antonio Mora, Baldemar ( Pam ) Mora, Kristi Cordell and Juliana (Shea) Rhoades. Grand children Javier Porras, Viviana (AJ) Anderson, Ruben Mora, BJ Mora, Carra Mora, Jackie (Hunter) Moore, Hunter (Melissa) Harris, Chandler Harris. Preceded in death by grandson, Mark Mora. Many Great grandchildren: Dymin, Tayden, Alexis, Zailyn, Kyzer, Macqulyn , Belia, Kairi, Brooklyn, Miranda, Adrian and Shylah. Sisters Margaret Vargas, Juanita (Raul) Luna As well as, beloved nieces and nephews. He will be greatly missed! …. We love you!