Funeral services were held at Gossen Funeral Home Chapel, Friday, October 12, 2012. at 11:00 a.m. for Francis “Buddy” Xavier Gilbert, 85, who died Tuesday, October 9, 2012, at his home in Branch.

Interment was in the Elizabeth Memorial Baptist Cemetery in Branch.

Surviving are his wife, Elaine Wyatt Gilbert; one son, Wyatt Gilbert and wife, Diane, of Branch; two grandchildren, Ashlie Gilbert of Branch and Brandon Gilbert and wife, Jessica, of Lafayette; five great-grandchildren, Dax and Beau Moore, Tabitha Royer, Jackson Gilbert and Madlyn Gilbert; three brothers-in-law, Coy Wyatt and wife, Estelle, of Abbeville, Wayne Wyatt and wife, Gloria, of Rayne and Dr. Huey Wyatt and wife, Sara, of Georgetown , KY; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Wilson and Polly Guidry Gilbert.

He was born Sunday, October 2, 1927, in Rayne, son of the late Wilson Gilbert and the late Polly Guidry Gilbert.

He was a member of the 1944 Rayne High School State Champion Football Team and the SLI (UL) track team from 1947-1949. He was a long time member and deacon at First Baptist Church in Rayne.

Friends were received 3:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m., Thursday, October 11, and 8:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. Friday, October 12, 2012, at Gossen Funeral Home, Inc., Rayne.

Friends may view the obituary and guestbook online at www.gossenfuneralhome.net.

Arrangements were entrusted to Gossen Funeral Home, Inc. of Rayne.