Gilbert Lauter

Gilbert Herman Lauter, 80, of Washington, passed away Thursday, September 13, 2007 in College Station. Funeral services are set for 11:00 a.m. Saturday, September 15 at Friedens United Church of Christ in Washington with the Rev. Jesse Campbell officiating. Interment will follow in the church cemetery. Services are under the direction of Nobles Funeral Chapel.
Mr. Lauter was born on December 18, 1926 in Washington, son of Willie J. and Matilda Schulze Lauter. He was baptized February 6, 1927 by the Rev. F.W. Braune and confirmed his faith November 9, 1941 by the Rev. Kurt Schmeichen. Gilbert attended Washington public schools before graduating from Navasota High in 1945 and Blinn College in 1950. He enlisted in the U.S. Merchant Marines on March 20, 1945 and was discharged in October 1946. He then enlisted in the U.S. Army on November 5, 1946 and was stationed in Germany with the occupation force before receiving an honorable discharge on May 4, 1948 as a sergeant. Gilbert then married Ruth Borgstedte on August 15, 1948 in Friedens Church by the Rev. Paul Piepenbrok. Their marriage was blessed by three daughters, Inez, Judy, and Jean. Mr. Lauter began his 36 year career with Gulf States Utilities in Navasota in 1950. In 1968, he was promoted and transferred to Conroe where the family made their home until his retirement on June 1, 1986. While in Conroe, the Lauters attended the First United Methodist Church. Upon retirement, they returned to Washington where Gilbert reconfirmed his faith at Friedens Church in December 1986 and served the church on various committees, as a council member, and as Sunday school superintendent in the 1960's. Mr. Lauter was a member of Navasota VFW Post #4006, having served as Post Commander from 1995 - 1997 as well as other offices, District 17, and state committees. From 1988 - 2000, he served as a board member of the Washington County Soil and Water Conservation District. Gilbert was also a member of the Washington Sons of Herman Lodge serving as manager, president, and local agent. He was also a past president of both the Gulf States Utilities Retiree's Sideliner's Club and the Washington Local Texas Farm Bureau (1991 - 1993). Mr. Lauter was a member of IBEW before promotion and served as local president and member of the Bargaining Committee. He even found time to serve as president of the Navasota Camp Fire Girls Council from 1966 - 1967.
Mr. Lauter was preceded in death by his parents, Willie and Matilda Lauter; brother, Bobby Lauter; and sister, Shirley Turner.
He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Ruth; daughters and son-in-laws, Inez and Glenn Fuqua of Navasota, Judy and Gary Bogan of Washington, and Jean and Jesse Mitchell of Sugarland; five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
Serving as pallbearers are grandsons, Brian Bogan of The Woodlands, Brad Bogan of Washington, Wade Fuqua of Navasota, and David Keef of Irving; nephews, Scott Turner of Waller and Daryl Lauter of College Station. Honorary pallbearers include Harold Kolkhorst of Houston, Leonard Coleman of Navasota, and Albert Hartstack of Washington.