Gilbert "Gil" Nohavitza

Gilbert “Gil” Joe Nohavitza, 86, of Nederland, died February 13, 2015. Born March 17, 1928 in Taiton, Tx., he was the son of Edmund and Elsa Nohavitza of El Campo, Tx. Gil graduated from El Campo High School in 1951 with a football scholarship to The University of Houston. He served 3 years in the U.S. Navy. Gil went on to coach and teach in Premont, Tx. While in Premont he met his wife to be, Pat Blevins. They were married August 20, 1954. Gil began working at Mobil Oil in 1954 in Midland, Tx. and in 1960 was transferred to the Beaumont area where he worked for Mobil Chemical for 39 years including 3 years in Saudi Arabia. He retired in 1986 and moved to Toledo Bend to make their home. Gil was the Toledo Bend Fire Chief for nearly 15 years. With his leadership and dedication the Volunteer Fire Department expanded to include a new fire truck & helicopter pad. In 2008, Gil was awarded the Community Builder Award from the Masonic Grand Lodge of Texas. This award is the highest award given to a non-Mason. In 2011 Gil and Pat moved to their present home in Port Neches to be closer to the family.

Gil was actively involved in the Boys Scouts of America for over 20 years and the Girl Scouts. During this time he received many awards including The Silver Beaver award.

Gil served as president of the Nederland Little League and was also an umpire and assistant coach for over 10 years.

Gil had a passion for water skiing and enjoyed teaching kids and adults the sport.

He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Pat Nohavitza of Nederland; son, Brad Nohavitza and his wife Cathy of Port Neches; daughters, Stace’ Voivedich of Nederland and Kari White and her husband Craig of Washington, Utah; brother, Elo and his wife Anna, of Hurst; sister, Pat Wobbe of El Campo; grandchildren, Michael Voivedich and wife Kristen, Ashley Voivedich, all of Nederland, Jessica Todd and husband Roy, and Wesley White, all of Herriman, Utah; great-grandchildren, Hudson and Kolton Voivedich, Alyssa,Taylor and baby Todd due in April, Braiden and Gaige Davis; brother-in-law, Scott Dennis and wife Keri; numerous nieces and nephews, his “furry friends”, Dudley and Winston, and special friend Linda Guillory. He was preceded in death by his parents.

A gathering of Mr. Nohavitza’s family and friends will be Monday morning, February 16, 2015, at 10:00 a.m. with a memorial service to follow at 10:30 a.m., at Melancon’s Funeral Home. A second gathering will be at 4:00 p.m. at Toledo Baptist Church at Toledo Bend.

In lieu of flowers, the family request that donations be made to Toledo Bend Volunteer Fire Department, Hwy. 255, 8663 RR 255 E., Burkeville, Tx. 75932 or Brooke’s Believers Inc., Neches Federal Credit Union, Account 47743.