Notes:

Obituary:

Robert "Coach" Gilstrap died July 19, 2011. He was born Oct. 23, 1928 in Dallas to Calvin and Mae Gilstrap. His Grandfather Gilstrap was a circuit preacher in South Texas, receiving $1 for each sermon delivered.

Robert grew up in Dallas, excelling at athletics and attending Sunset High School. He went to college at the University of North Texas. Robert became the Dallas area Golden Gloves boxing champion during this time. He earned his bachelor's degree in kinesiology and he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps where Capt. Gilstrap served three years with the 15th Battalion. After his discharge he returned to UNT to earn a master's degree, but remained in the Marine Reserves for the next 15 years.

He married Wanda in 1961. Stepdaughters Jerry and Terry welcomed baby sister Virginia Suerene to the family the following year in Victoria. Robert taught and coached at Patti Welder for a few years then moved with Principal Erskine to Victoria High School. That same year his freshman football team had an undefeated season. Coach always encouraged his students to be healthy and work hard.

He retired in 1985 and started a new career of volunteering. Robert worked at Christ's Kitchen and delivered for Meals on Wheels for many years. Through the Emmaus community he helped on the first Walks in South Africa and served on Kairos prison ministry at the Stephenson Unit. For the Methodist Church he worked several Volunteers in Mission trips in South Africa and Brazil. He also delivered homebound communion.

He and Wanda enjoyed many golden years of retirement, traveling the world and playing hours of bridge.

He was preceded in death by a sister, Billie, and his parents.

Robert is survived by his wife, Wanda; son, David; daughters, Virginia, Terry and Jerry; son-in-law, Royce Krueger; grandsons, Christian and Cory; and great-grandson, Brady.

Special thanks goes to Dr. Shah Afridi, Dr. Arun Jain, the Hospice staff, "Homewood Clare Bridge" care givers, Caring for Seniors and all other care givers.

A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday at First United Methodist Church, followed by a reception at the church.

Memorial donations in Robert's name may be given to First United Methodist Church, Hospice of South Texas or your choice.

Words of comfort may be shared with the family at rosewoodfuneralchapel.com.

Robert married Wanda Mae McIntyre-Chambers 15 Dec 1961, Denton, Denton County, Texas, USA. Wanda (daughter of Virginia Viola McIntyre) was born 2 Nov 1929, Sweetwater, Nolan County, Texas, USA; died 29 Mar 2016, Victoria, Victoria County, Texas, USA; was buried 1 Apr 2016, Memory Gardens - Victoria, Texas, USA. [Group Sheet]

1. V.S. Gilstrap