GILBERT (GIL) LUTHER STRAW, JR (DAD / PAPAW)

September 7, 1940 - May 10, 2022

Gil was born on September 7, 1940 and died in this life, going home to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on May 10, 2022.

He was born in Bakersfield, CA, to Lela and Gilbert Straw (both now deceased). The only child of that union, his parents soon divorced. Each parent went on to remarry. Gil has a half-brother from his mother, Curtis Tobias; and 3 half-sisters from his father and loving step-mother, Rachel, Dianna Robinson, Linda Robinson, and Rickie Whatley (now deceased).

Gil was raised in Bakersfield, CA, and attended local schools, graduating from Bakersfield High School in 1960. Gil's first job was working at Montgomery Wards as a mechanic. He then joined the Army in 1962 and served the majority of his time in Germany as a cook. Then, after completing his tour of duty in 1964, he came back to Bakersfield and worked at various jobs until he began working for UPS in 1976. Gil worked there for 25 years and retired as a Journeyman (Senior) mechanic due to medical reasons.

Gilbert married Julia Ann Fairchild in 1961. They had 2 daughters, Dee Straw and Krista Fisher (Wesley). After Julia died in 2008, Gil went on to wed Mary (Duffel) Lung in 2010 (herself a widow with 2 adult children, Kerri (Lung) Oelke (Doug) and Bryan Lung).

At one time, Gil was a volunteer member of the Kern Co Sheriff's Search and Rescue Dept. He felt a deep sense of satisfaction and honor from performing that service. And that experience left him with a profound reverence for what these honorable men and women do for the public.

Gil and Julia liked to travel a lot in their 5th wheel RV. They maintained a membership at the Pismo Creek RV Resort for many years. They also traveled (along with good friends, Mac and Lou McCullen) in their RVs back to Missouri to visit family on more than one occasion. When Julia got sick, Gil had to sell their RV along with his membership over at Pismo. Then, after Gil and Mary wed, he infected her with his love of traveling and they bought another RV. They then made several trips around California and once back to Missouri until Gil was no longer able to handle that lifestyle.

Gil also really liked riding around on his motorcycle. His first motorcycles included a Honda Goldwing that he made a carpeted seat on the gas tank so that his beloved black cocker spaniel Mandy could ride with him. But Gil had to stop riding just before his knees required replacement surgeries. Then, after he met Mary [who had ridden Harley-Davidson motorcycles with her 1st husband for several years], they purchased a Harley eventually ending up with a 3-wheeler making it much easier / better for Gil to operate a motorcycle again. Unfortunately, just a few years ago, Gil had to sadly give up his riding days permanently because he could no longer operate it safely.

Gil was preceded in death by his mother and father, first wife Julia, first grandchild Talon Fisher, and sister Rickie Whatley.

He is survived by wife Mary; daughters Dee Straw, Krista (Wesley) Fisher, and Kerri (Doug) Oelke; most precious grandchildren Donovan, Kira and Davin Oelke; beloved step-mother Rachel Straw; sisters Dianna Robinson and Linda (Tom) Robinson; brother Curtis Tobias; sister-in-law and brother-in-law Joan and Jim Buntin; plus many nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and dear friends.

Thanks also to Vickie Sandoval for always keeping Gil looking so handsome with his haircuts and beard trimmed so nicely.

Thank you to Traditions Hospice for taking such good care of Gilbert in his final days. Special thanks to Kam, Cindy, Parrisha, Sondra, Steve, Ed and the other wonderful people who cared very much for Gil. Your kindnesses and true gentleness will always be remembered. Thanks again for helping to make his final days as peaceful as possible.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to: National Service Dog Nonprofit Canine Companions at canine.org/donate or send checks to Canine Companions at 2965 Dutton Ave., Santa Rosa, CA. 95407. https://p2p.onecause.com/tributegift/donate and/or to Batten Disease at BDSRA.org. NOTE: The International Batten Awareness Day for 2022 is June 9th, please learn more about this hideous disease.

Thank you from the family of Gil Straw.