Dr. Francis Monroe Gilbert

Dr. Francis Monroe Gilbert passed away peacefully into the loving arms of Jesus, his Lord and Savior on May 27, 2024.

Delivered into the world by his grandfather, D.W. Gilbert (the first physician to practice medicine in Irving) on December 1, 1928. “F.M.” was the first-born son of Dr. Franklin Monroe Gilbert and Dorothy Grace Brandon Gilbert. He was baptized at the First United Methodist Church where he remained a life-long member. F.M. grew up in the Joffre-Gilbert House (listed in the National Register of Historic Places and a Recorded Texas Historic Landmark) which his family purchased in 1939. He often reminisced of his childhood days on the prairie; spending time on his grandfather’s farm (what is now the area of Plymouth Park), working at the soda counter of Big State Pharmacy, and riding his horse from what is now old town Irving out to the deserted hills of Las Colinas, where he would eventually build his own family home.

He attended Irving public schools and graduated as Salutatorian from Irving High School in 1946. F.M. attended Southern Methodist University, where he enlisted in the United States Naval Reserves, was a member of Kappa Sigma Fraternity and received a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1950. He went on to receive his Doctor of Medicine in Houston at Baylor College of Medicine where he was a member of Alpha Kappa Kappa fraternity.

He completed his intern-ship at Hermann Hospital in 1955 and was chosen Intern of the Year. That same year, F.M. was called up to active duty. Serving as the U.S. Naval Medical Advisor to Korea, he received a commendation for exemplary service from the General of the Republic of Korea Marine Corps.

On return to Texas, he served as ward doctor at the Corpus Christi Naval Station Hospital, continuing his service in the naval reserves until 1966.

While in Corpus Christi he met the love of his life, Miss Shirley Schulze, on a blind date. After only a few months of courtship, they were married at the First Methodist Church in Cor-pus Christi. Lt. Gilbert and Shirley moved to Dallas where he completed his Pediatric Residency at Children’s Medical Center. The couple then moved to Irving where Dr. F.M. joined his father in the practice of medicine at the Gilbert & Roberts Clinic, the first medical clinic to be established in Irving. During these early years, F.M. and Shirley were blessed by the birth of their three sons, Jere Lane, Mark Philip and Gregory Monroe. The boys were dearly loved by their parents, and they delighted in watching them develop into fine young men.

Once the nest was empty, F.M. and Shirley enjoyed extensive travel-Hawaii, Germany, Austria, Italy, Greece, Turkey-just to name a few.

Yet they always remained actively involved in their community. Their monthly supper club was an especially welcome addition to their social lives. F.M. (also known as Gil to family and friends) was a member of the Irving Rotary Club and served as Chief of Staff at Irving Community Hospital (now Baylor Scott and White). He was Co-Chief Resident at Children’s Medical Center, was on the staff of St. Paul’s, Methodist and Baylor Hospitals in Dallas and was a member of both the Dallas and Texas Medical Socie-ties. Gil was a beloved and sought-after pediatrician serving in Irving for 37 years. He had a love for antiques, music, entertaining, and was an avid gardener who grew beautiful roses, peaches and tomatoes every year. He relished working in his garden and you might even say he was a landscape artist. But above all he was devoted to his family. Shirley, the boys and their families and extended family were his pride and joy. He was a generous, kind and caring husband, Dad, Papa, doctor, friend and neighbor. His authentic, gentle spirit will be truly missed, but his legacy of faith in Christ and kindheartedness will be passed down through generations.

The family would like to give special thanks to Dee Garces as well as Spirit Home Care for their kind dedication in caring for Gil these past few years. Gil is preceded in death by his loving wife, Shirley, granddaughter, Faith Elise Gilbert (Plano), and broth-er, Clay Gilbert (Irving). He is survived by his three sons and their families; Jere Gilbert of Irving (Cindy), Mark Gilbert of Grand Prairie (Gail), Greg Gilbert of Plano (Leslie), four grandchildren; Michael Gilbert of Sugarland (Lingrui), Jenifer Burley of Little Elm (Stewart), Paige McKay of Plano (Will) and William Gilbert of Frisco, and three great-grandchildren; Blair Monroe McKay, Aleah Ai Gilbert and William Dean McKay. Private interment will occur at the Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery. A memorial service will be held at First Methodist Church-Irving 211 West 3rd Street, Irving 75061 on Tuesday, June 11, 2024, at noon. Memorials may be made to First Methodist Irving or a charity of your choice.