Arthur Gerald Gilchriest

Arthur Gerald Gilchriest of Fred, Texas passed away on Saturday, October 7, 2023 at the age of 87. He was born on January 14, 1936 in Evadale, Texas to the late Charlie and Eathel Gilchriest.

He married his wife, Betty Jean Odom on November 6, 1954 and they established their home in Fred, Texas. They were married for over 67 years until the time of her death on April 14, 2022. Together they were members of Pleasant Hill Baptist Church in Spurger, Texas.

He was a longtime member of Snow River Masonic Lodge #385 in Spurger, Texas and at the time of his death was the longest living member with over 66 years of membership. His mind stayed sharp when it came to masonic proceedings.

His occupational career was mostly as a pipefitter/welder. He retired from Bethlehem Steel Shipyard in Beaumont, Texas as well as from pipefitters local 195 in Nederland, Texas. In 1970 he was elected to the office of Constable Precinct 4 Tyler County, Texas. He served in that capacity for 20 years.

He is preceded in death by his parents; wife, Betty Jean Gilchriest; son, Franklin Dow Gilchriest; brothers, Dorman Gilchriest and Webster Gilchriest; sisters, Norma Rae Lilly and Dorothy Clinard.

Arthur is survived by his daughters, Geraldine Davis and husband Roger; Martha Willis and husband Greg all of Fred; brother, Kenneth Gilchriest also of Fred; grandchildren, Gary Davis, Daniel Davis, Matthew Hooks, Mitchell Hooks, Jessica Greer, Stephen Willis, Trisha Chapman, Stephanie Willis; thirteen great grandchildren; one great great grandchild; and a host of nieces, nephews, other family members, and friends.

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