Gilbert V. Bañuelos, 76, went to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ January 28, 2013. He had been a resident of Casa de Flores in Morro Bay since March 2012.
Born in Fillmore August 13, 1936, to Manuel and Emelia Bañuelos, Gilbert grew up in Fillmore. He graduated from Fillmore High School, where he served as manager of the football team and was active in the Art Club.
Gilbert married Judith Elkins of Fillmore March 20, 1959, and worked at the Fillmore Fish Hatchery. He retired from the California Department of Fish and Game as a culturist in 2001 after 29 years of service.
Remembered most for his winsome smile, Gilbert was well liked and had a friendly personality. He had a lifelong interest in cars and was a member of the Road Angels, a car club begun by Fillmore rancher Dwight Goodenough.
Gilbert was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Fillmore and the Baptist Church in Kernville and most recently attended Trinity Presbyterian Church in San Luis Obispo.
He was preceded in death by his parents and is survived by his wife Judith and five sisters.
Burial was at the Cayucos-Morro Bay District Cemetery. A memorial service is tenta¬tively scheduled for Friday, February 15, at 10 A.M. at Trinity Presbyterian Church, which meets at the San Luis Obispo Seventh-day Adventist Church, 1301 Osos Street. Trinity Pastor Jon Medlock will officiate. Lunch will follow. Service date and time may be confirmed by calling the Wheeler-Smith Mortuary and Crematory at (805) 543-6871.