Rayne - Funeral services will be 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 will be 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 brother-in-laws, 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, LA, 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 will be 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, LA.

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

Arrangements have been entrusted to Gossen Funeral Home, Inc. of Rayne, LA, (337) 334-3141.