Gilberto Sandoval, Sr.

Funeral services for Gilberto Sandoval, Sr., 55, of Corpus Christi will be held Tuesday, March 10, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. in the Carroway Funeral Home Chapel with Fr. Joby Thomas officiating. Cremation arrangements will be under the direction of Carroway Funeral Home.

Gilberto Sandoval, Sr. was born December 31, 1970 in Alice, Texas to Josie (Perez) and Homero Sandoval, Jr., and died Thursday, February 26, 2026 in Topeka, Kansas.

Gilberto grew up in Alice, Texas and later moved to Corpus Christi. He married Esperanza Soulas June 8, 1992, raising a family and sharing his life with her for 33 years, until she passed away on October 9, 2025. Gilberto was a truck driver and worked hard to be a provider for his family. He faced many trials and tribulations, going through struggles most of his life; however, with the help of his family, he was able to pull out and get right back on his feet again. As much heartache as he endured during his time on earth, it revealed how strong he truly was. No matter what he may have been facing each day, he was determined to get up and go to work.

Gilberto lived his life on the road. He had houses, but his home was on the road. Even though he wasn’t always physically at home with his family, they could never say he wasn’t there. He was their backbone and played such a huge role in their lives. When he did have days off, he enjoyed hanging out at home with family, barbecuing or tinkering with his Harley. He absolutely loved his bike, even though he didn’t get to ride it very much. That was something he had that he was proud of.

Survivors include his children, Jose Cantu, Stephanie Soulas, Gilbert Sandoval, Jr.; grandchildren, Marcus Ryan Soulas, Isaac Raymond Soulas, Aniyah Estella Garza, Gilbert “Tres” Sandoval III, Gracie Luna Duran, Giselle Cantu, Alaura Cantu; brother, Edward Sandoval; nieces and nephews, Erika Sandoval, Lara Dawn Sandoval, Edward James Sandoval, Xavier Rios Sandoval, Elijah Sandoval; and numerous other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Esperanza (Soulas) Sandoval; and his “mom” who raised him as her own, Ernestina P. Salinas.

Memories and condolences may be added, and live webcasting of the services may be viewed, at www.carrowayfuneralhome.com.

Carroway Funeral Home, Lufkin, directors.