Gilbert Mercado, Jr.

GILBERT MERCADO
EDINBURG - Gilbert Mercado, Jr., 77, died Thursday, August 19, 2021, at Doctors Hospital at Renaissance in Edinburg. Gilbert met the love of his life Irene "Nena" Hinojosa years before he decided to enlist in the U.S. Army. Prior to being deployed to Stuttgart, Gilbert and Irene entered into eternal marriage in 1963. For Gilbert, it was an honor to serve his country; he was very patriotic and proudly wore his U.S. Army Service Cap at all times.
Gilbert later began his finance career, which was heavily influenced by his sister-in-law Hilda, with the Public Finance Company and finished his career with Rio National Bank. This decision led Gilbert to become one of the youngest bankers and soon thereafter one of the youngest Vice-Presidents in the Rio Grande Valley.
Gilbert was fondly known and lived a great portion of his life as an avid outdoorsman and hunter. He traveled all over North America hunting elk, pronghorn, bears, deer, and hogs. He spent many weekends on the Gulf of Mexico and Laguna Madre wading and surf fishing. Gilbert would reminisce about the many adventures he shared with his loving father-in-law, Juvencio Hinojosa, his son Gilbert "Chato," nephews and close friends.
When Gilbert wasn't busy hunting or fishing, he was competing at cook-offs across the RGV. Gilbert's humor shined through everything he did and included naming his cooking team "No Tenemos Rancho (NTR)", which means "We don't have a ranch." Gilbert made beautiful memories cooking pan de campo, cabrito, and his famous beef ribs with his son Steve.
Unfortunately, Gilbert's health began to limit his ability to continue with his hobbies and favorite past-times. It should come as no surprise, for those who knew him, he was not going to let anyone or anything limit his ability to learn a new skill or hobby. Gilbert found a new passion in mesquite wood craft and it ranged from making furniture, cutting boards to crosses and loved giving them as gifts when all possible.
Gilbert was especially fond of spending time in the kitchen with his only daughter Missy. He loved starting the day hearing her walk into the house and update him on her own adventurous life. Together, they would experiment on new recipes and create masterpieces only for him to give away to other friends or family. They had a unique relationship where they shared their own brand of humor and conversation.
Gilbert cherished the moments when he could share his life's stories and wisdom based on his own personal struggles and success. Gilbert had a philosophical way of sharing his wisdom and was a mentor and father figure to many. His home served as a safe haven for those he loved. If you shared his table with him, you were instantly considered family.
He struggled with diabetes and a heart condition, yet was a fighter that lived every day with dignity and grace. Gilbert never complained about the struggles he had to face time and time again.
Gilbert leaves a legacy of generosity and service to his country, family, and those in need. A legacy that he instilled in his children and grandchildren for generations to come.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Gilbert, Sr. and Beatriz Mercado; a brother, Adam Mercado; and a sister, Rosa Ramirez.
Mr. Mercado is survived by his wife, Irene H. Mercado of Edinburg; three children, Marissa (Santos) Guerrero of Edinburg, Gilbert (Nereida) Mercado, III of San Antonio, Esteban Javier (Estrella) Mercado of Edinburg; nine grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; two sisters; and five brothers.
On behalf of the Mercado family, we want to sincerely thank Dr. Rafael Rafols and his staff for their outstanding and compassionate care, Abundant Home Health and the McAllen VA staff. We also want to extend our sincere appreciation to all our friends and loved ones who have supported us with prayers, stories, meals, and love. Special thanks to Joe Recio, whom he loved like a son, for his never ending support and care.
A memorial service to honor and celebrate Gilbert's life will take place by the American Legion and Monsignor Juan Nicolau on Friday August 27, 2021 at 6:30 p.m. at Memorial Funeral Home, 208 E. Canton in Edinburg. Services will conclude at 8 p.m.
Funeral services are under the direction of Memorial Funeral Home in Edinburg.

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