Gilbert Martinez Costilla (Cheto) 63 years old, of Midland went to be with the Lord on Sunday, September 20, 2009 in an Odessa hospital.He was born to Jesus and Selestina Costilla on October 13, 1945 in Midland, Texas. He attended Midland High School.He married Imelda Villasenor of Midland; in June of 1968, they were married 41 years. She was at his bedside faithfully until the time of his death. He was a welder and had been employed by Drilco Industries for about 10 years. He was also a member of the Drilco softball team, one of his favorite sports. He was also employed by Reece Albert for 15 years and retired from there in 1998.He is preceded in death by his parents, Jesus and Selestina Costilla, three brothers, Julian Costilla, Gabriel Costilla; and recently Jose Angel Costilla.He is survived by his wife, Imelda (Meldy) Costilla of Midland; he leaves behind four daughters, Jeannette Costilla of San Angelo; Teresa and Paul Martinez of San Angelo; Missy and Rumaldo Morales of Midland; and Cynthia Costilla Avila and Rodney Avila of Midland; he leaves behind six grandchildren, Amanda Ruiz of San Angelo; Manuel Carrasco III of Midland; Rufus Ruiz Jr. of Alabama; Brandon Costilla Sr. of San Angelo; Blake and Keith Avila of Midland; six great grandchildren, Ayanna and Kaleb Maldonado of San Marcos; Brandon Costilla Jr. of San Angelo; Derek and Aubrey Carrasco of Dallas; and Braden Rogers of San Angelo. He is survived by four sisters, Evelyn and Geronmio Garza of San Angelo; Helen and Mary Costilla of Midland; Victoria C. Saul of Nebraska and one brother John Costilla also of Midland; and a numerous array of nieces and nephews. Pallbearers will be Brandon Nicholas Costilla Sr., Manuez Carrasco III, Blake Estevan Avila, Fidel Costilla, Cesar Banda, Paul Martinez. Honorary Pallbearers are Rumaldo Morales, and Keith Logan Avila. Services will be held Tuesday, September 22, 2009 at 2:00 P.M. at St Stephens Catholic Church. Burial will follow at Serenity Memorial Gardens. Viewing will be held on Monday at the Funeral Home. Even though you're gone, you'll never be forgotten Daddy nor will we forget the special times and favorite moments we shared. You'll never know how much it meant to us to have you there, to be encouraged by your silent smile because we knew you cared for us. We learned from your examples to tell right from wrong and that sharing love will only make us strong. Thank you Dad for the many sacrifices you made for us, and Thank You God for making our Dad the Best in the World. Go be with the angels and know we will always remember and love you and forget the suffering, it's gone. We now can say your children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren have their own guardian angel watching over them. Special mention goes out to Nurses Unlimited for all they did and especially to Ruby Sapian. Also for the dedication and devotion we express gratitude to Home Hospice, thank you very much, we are eternally indebted to you. Arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home and Crematory. Online condolences can be made at www.npwelch.com,
