Roll Call Tribute

David Martin Gilchriest 

December 27, 1946 - June 28, 2024 

David Martin Gilchriest, 77, of Cypress, Texas went to meet his Heavenly Father on June 28, 2024, following prolonged cardiovascular issues.

He is survived by his wife, Barbara Hendrix Gilchriest; his son Andy Gilchriest and his wife Angela; his daughter Jennifer Cline and her husband Trinity, their three children Taylor, Tinsley, and Jacob; and his son, Matthew Gilchriest.

David was born on December 27, 1946 in Beaumont, Texas, to John and Jessemon Gilchriest. He grew up in the Beaumont area and attended South Park High School. He attended Lamar University, where he met his wife, and graduated with a degree in Industrial Engineering. He furthered his education by obtaining a Master's Degree in Industrial Engineering from Texas A&M University (Class of 1970). Following graduation, David started his career with the Department of the Army and Air Force, and then later moved on to Bethlehem Steel. He spent most of his professional career working for Big Three Industries, which later became Air Liquide. David retired from Air Liquide in 2011.

Throughout his life, David was an avid outdoorsman, spending time hunting, fishing, camping, and traveling across the country. He shared his passion for the outdoors with his family, often taking his kids fishing, hunting, and traveling as a family to various National Parks and other locations. He also enjoyed working with his hands, painting, wood-working, and solving various technical dilemmas around the house.

He was an active member of the church, attending services faithfully and developing relationships with other members wherever he went. He had a very strong relationship with the Lord, and his kids remember praying every night before bed as a family.

Following retirement, David and Barbara became involved in the fostering and adoption of rescue dogs. They became active volunteers with Houston Pekingese Rescue, fostering around twenty dogs as well as adopting a few along the way. The dogs were a large part of his life and he enjoyed showing them love, care, and giving them a good home.

Of all the things in his life, the most important to David was his family. He cherished Barbara and loved her immensely during their 54 years of marriage. He loved his children and adored his grandchildren, and being a father, grandfather, and uncle brought him great joy.

The family will receive visitors on Friday, July 5th, 2024, from 5:00-8:00 p.m. at Klein Funeral Home – Tomball, 1400 W. Main St, Tomball, TX 77375. Funeral services will be held Saturday, July 6th, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. at Klein Funeral Home – Tomball, 1400 W. Main St, Tomball, TX 77375, with Pastor Charles Stuart officiating. Interment to follow at 2:00 p.m. at Forest Lawn Memorial Park, 4955 Pine St, Beaumont, TX 77703.