Gilbert J. Baran

Gilbert J. Baran, 80 of Taylor passed away unexpectedly at his home on Tuesday April 21, 2015. Gilbert was born on November 29, 1934 in Williamson County to Joe F. Baran and Julie Ruzicka. Gilbert lived on his grandparents’ farm in the Polanka community speaking only Czech until he was enrolled in school. His mother died when he was very young and his Aunt Frances Baran raised him to adulthood. His uncle Marcel and aunt Libbie Ruzicka also made sure that he was looked after when he was younger and he held them both in high regard the remainder of his life.

Gilbert served in the Texas Army National Guard for ten years achieving the rank of Staff Sargent at the time of his honorable discharge. Although Gilbert worked in the lumber business for many years he also worked for Ray Condra's Ambulance Service which was then sold to the City of Taylor at which time he became a Fire Fighter for the city of Taylor before family obligations forced him to return to the lumber business. He retired from Taylor Builders Supply. Never one to sit at home he decided
retirement was not for him so he went back to work, this time part time at the Taylor City Cemetery. Gilbert retired again after 10 years with the city. Throughout his life dad always worked more than one job at a time, he owned Baran's Sharpall Service, he partnered with Leon Tieman and formed Cedco Homes building numerous homes in and around Taylor and he partnered with Ron Werner in a venture to produce vine ripened tomatoes, Taylor Tasty Tomatoes.

Gilbert was a member of the Knights of Columbus, The Taylor Jaycees, The Lions Club and the Taylor Chapter of Ducks Unlimited. He also served for many years on the zoning board for the city of Taylor.

Gilbert was very active when his kids were young coaching all 4 boys when they played baseball and to this day when men whom he coached see him they call him coach Baran.

Gilbert is preceded in death by his parents, his wife Jeanette and his older brother Daniel Baran who died in infancy.

Gilbert married his high school sweetheart Jeanette Wolbrueck on January 4, 1956 and for over 52 years they were at each others side until her passing on August 21, 2008. Gilbert is survived by five children, Allen Baran and wife Evon of Georgetown, Judy and husband David Caffey of Taylor, Michael Baran and wife Lori of Buda, Kenny Baran and wife Deborah of Taylor and Kevin Baran and wife Donna of Lago Vista. He is also survived by 11 grandchildren, Joshua Baran and wife Michelle, Travis Baran and wife Ashley, Isabella Baran, Chris Caffey and wife Stacy, Nicole Schneider and husband Blake, Matthew Baran, Ashton Sterling and husband Matthew, Deanna Thornton and husband Johnnie, Kyle Baran and fiancé Cheraz Spozio, Kristyne Baran and Jeremiah Baran. He also has great grandchildren, Allyson Baran, Daniel Baran, Paxtyn Caffey, Kingston Baran, Hudson Schneider, Eli Schneider, Reagan Thornton, Aubrey Thornton, Khloe Sterling, Rylee Sterling and William Baran. Also surviving him is special friend Ann Cooper. He is also survived by his brother Clifford Baran and wife Velma of Canyon Lake, brothers in law John Wolbrueck and wife Bonnie of Taylor and Donald Wolbrueck and wife Cherri of Taylor and sister in law Deloris Wolbrueck.

Visitation and rosary will be held on Thursday April 23, 2015 from 6:00-8:00 PM with mass of Christian Burial on Friday April 24, 2015 at 10:00 AM at St. Mary's Catholic Church with Msgr. Lonnie Urban and Deacon Johnnie Thornton Jr. officiating. Burial will follow at Taylor City Cemetery with grandsons serving as pall bearers and granddaughters serving as honorary pall bearers.

The family wishes to thank Dr. Nathan Cohen for taking care of dad for many years. To Ann Cooper, we are so pleased you were a part of dad's life for these last few years as he truly enjoyed your company and cared for you, you are now forever a part of our family.
In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations are made to the American Heart Association or the American Cancer Society or charity of one's choice.