Gilbert was born on October 14, 1955, to Clement J. and Lydia (Evanicky) Belota in Columbus, TX. He attended Columbus ISD, graduating in 1974. He furthered his education by pursuing an Associate of Applied Science Degree at Blinn College and Bachelor of Science in Agriculture at Texas A&M University, graduating class of 1978.

Gilbert began his 33-year career at La Grange ISD as a highly engaged and enthusiastic Agriculture teacher inspiring creative young minds to become master craftsmen, learning how to use their hands. As a shop instructor, he guided students in building trailers, cedar chests, and calf feeders.

In the last 15 years of his career, he served as a high school biology teacher. While Gilbert enjoyed all of his students, his true passion and joy was nurturing and fostering his underprivileged students.

■ BELOTA, 7 His science classroom was a place of discovery, filled with exuberance and experiments. His classroom was a place where everyone felt welcomed and could learn and grow. He often invited his students to share meals in his classroom. His toughlove approach helped his students develop self-discipline and responsibility. He also drove the La Grange ISD school bus.

On November 8, 1980, Gilbert married the love of his life, Brenda Lee Fritsch. Together, they raised two sons, Matthew Ray Belota and Michael Lee Belota.

Gilbert was an avid hunter, fisherman and collector. He instilled in his sons a love of the outdoors, welding, and building projects. He also taught them the valuable art of negotiation. His jovial spirit and entrepreneurial mindset was infectious, as he was always finding a way to sell something (firewood, cedar, homemade wine). Gilbert enjoyed retirement life by spending quality time with his grandchildren.

Gilbert’s life was a testament to his faith, love, and dedication to his family and students. He will be deeply missed but forever remembered in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.

He is preceded in death by his mother and father, Clement and Lydia Belota; brother, Erwin J. Belota; mother-inlaw and father-in-law, Jerline and Leslie Lee Fritsch.

He is survived by his wife of 44 years, Brenda Belota of Fayetteville, son Matthew Belota (Simone Petrosky and children Felicity, Theodore, Theron, and Barrett) of Columbus, son Michael Belota (Brandy Blackwell and children Scarlett and Summer) of Spring, sister Lucy Markwardt (Steven) of Frelsburg, brother Clement Belota Jr. (Mary Jane) of Frelsburg, brother-in-law Larry Lee Fritsch of Fayetteville, sisterin- law Mary Lou Fritsch of La Grange, niece Jennifer Janish (Greg Rodgers) of Canyon Lake, nieces Jennifer, Suzy and Stacy and nephews Greg, Stephen, Clemy and Patrick.

A visitation will be held on Thursday, February 13, 2025, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, 209 E Bell Street, Fayetteville, TX 78940, from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. with family present at this time to receive friends. A Holy Rosary will be recited at 1:00 p.m.

A Mass of Christian burial immediately following at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 13, 2025, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church.

A private graveside service will be held at the Frelsburg Catholic Cemetery at a later date.

May he rest in peace in the loving arms of our Lord.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to the St. John the Baptist Catholic Church – Fayetteville, Fayette County EMS, or to the Fayetteville Fire Department.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Koenig- Belvill Funeral Home & Cremations, La Grange, Texas. Family and friends can view and sign the guestbook online at www.lagrangefunerals. com.