GILBERT GARZA MENESES

Gilbert "Gil" Meneses died peacefully in his sleep on July 30th, 2020 in Medina, Ohio at the age of 66.

Gil is survived by wife, Melissa Meneses; children, Heather Smith, and Jennie Andrews and her husband Timothy; step-children, Jon Bar and Jeremiah Robertson; siblings, Irene Castillo, Diane Cavey and her husband Roland, and Liz Davis and her husband Timothy; Grandchildren, Bradley Smith and Devin Smith, Kaleb Robertson; great granddaughter, Emily Smith. He is preceded in death by parents Nemesio Meneses and Antonia Garza Meneses and his brother Nemesio “Jim” Meneses, Jr.

Gil was born on August 18, 1953 in San Antonio, Texas. After high school, Gil proudly served in the United State Air Force as a member of the Air Force Band, Honor Guard, and as well as a firefighter. He served his country for 11 years, after which he moved on to college and studied for a lengthy career as a safety consultant, spending many years at Tennessee Valley Authority, and eventually moving throughout the country to share his talents with a variety of different organizations and facilities.

In a very unique love story and many years apart, he eventually reconnected with and married Melissa, his high school sweetheart, in 2012. After retiring, the couple moved to Ohio, where Gil enjoyed spending time with Melissa and their pets, Zoey and Sally, woodworking, playing his trumpet and enjoying music of all kinds, and generally enjoying his retirement.

A visitation for Gil is scheduled for Monday, August 3rd from 4:00PM-7:00PM with a short service to follow at Carlson Funeral Homes & Cremation Services, 3477 Medina Road, Medina, OH 44256. A military funeral with graveside honors service will be held for Gil on Monday, August 10th, 2020 at 10:30AM at Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery, 10175 Rawiga Road, Seville, OH 44273. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Gil's life.