Gilbert L. McCain's Obituary
Gilbert Lanier (Gil) McCain passed away December 10, 2019 in Cypress, Texas. He was born May 18, 1949 in Slaton, Texas to David Lanier McCain and Lora DaOnne (Middleton) McCain. He attended school in Odessa, Texas and Grants, New Mexico, and even had his mother as his fourth-grade teacher.
His grandfather worked for the railroad and arranged to send Gil a terrier mix on the train. Somehow a connection was missed and the dog not only rode from Slaton, Texas to Grants, New Mexico but on to California and back.
Gil was active in Boy Scouts, Methodist Youth and band and served as drum major his senior year in Grants, graduating in 1967. He earned a Bachelor Degree in Music Education from New Mexico State University in 1971.
Gil married Julia C. Coffman December 21, 1974. Together they had two children, Cathy M. and David H. and lived in New Mexico, Wyoming and Texas.
Gil worked primarily in retail; loved children and dogs; avidly cheered for his sports teams, and enjoyed family activities. He was on a hot-air balloon chase crew for 10 years in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Gil was a Master Mason and a member of Wyoming Lodge No. 2, A.F. & A.M. of Lander, Wyoming.
He enjoyed family trips, including any number of car trips to National Parks and places of local interest. Gil took lots of pictures, and some of them even included people. A particular favorite trip was celebrating his 60th birthday with a round of golf with his son at St. Andrews in Scotland.
Gil’s love for music was demonstrated in various forms. He loved all things trumpet including Doc Severinsen, Maynard Ferguson, Chase, Al Hirt, Herb Alpert and the Tijuana Brass, Bobby Hacket and Arturo Sandoval. He also loved Sly and the Family Stone, Bread, Mamas and Papas, Earth Wind & Fire, Blood Sweat & Tears and Chicago.
Gil loved his grandchildren and being a part of their activities including school award shows and programs. One of his final outings was to see the Houston Symphony performance along with the movie “The Empire Strikes Back.” Another was attending a third-grade performance called “Pajama Party.” Music was a vital part of his life and an important part of his legacy.
He is survived by his wife Julia; daughter Cathy M. Breeden, husband Ray, and grandsons Ethan, Garrett and Tanner Breeden; and son David H. McCain, wife Robin, and granddaughters Zora and Emma McCain.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the music programs at Rosehill United Methodist Church, 21022 Rosehill-Church Road, Tomball, Texas.
Graveside services will be 10:00 AM Wednesday, December 18, 2019 in Shamrock Cemetery in Shamrock with Rev. Matt Gary, officiating.
Arrangements are by Klein Funeral Home of Tomball with local arrangements by Robertson Funeral Directors of Shamrock.
What’s your fondest memory of Gilbert?
What’s a lesson you learned from Gilbert?
Share a story where Gilbert's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Gilbert you’ll never forget.
How did Gilbert make you smile?