Kenneth “Ken” Gilbert, 65, a native of Vidalia, Louisiana and longtime resident of Baton Rouge, passed away peacefully Monday, December 30, 2024.
Ken was a graduate of LSU in Ornamental Horticulture in 1982 and shortly after went to work at Louisiana Nursery in Baton Rouge. Ken was a dedicated and extremely knowlegable employee and asset. His career spanned 42 years and he was a always happy to share any advice for those looking. He spent many years working at the different locations and making many trips as a buyer in the spring to see what the “new Christmas” trends would be. If you knew Ken, he most certainly shared his love of plants with you at some point.
In addition to his love of horticulture. He loved to be around his friends and was a longtime member of the Krewe of Apollo Baton Rouge. He served as a board member many years, served as lieutenant on several Bal Masques, was the receipiant of the Larry Freeman Jr. Memorial Founder’s Brotherhood Award, inductee to the Apollo Hall of Fame, Co-Captain of Anniversary Bal Masque XX, Bal Captain XXIV and ultimately reigned at King Apollo XXI. His krewe brothers always had the utmost respect and admiration for Ken. Whether is was his kindness, his generosity or his great “feather work” on the costume back pieces. He represented the true brotherhood that was Apollo.
He is survived by his husband who was his heart, Juan Camilo Ruiz; siblings, Linda Reeves of FL, Carol Ann Foote (David) of MI, Casey Gilbert (Darlene) of LA, Gene Gilbert (Ann) of LA, and Johnny Gilbert of TN; as well as numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Elmer E. and Gilda Marie Murphy Gilbert.
There will be a visitation held at Seale Funeral Home, Denham Springs, Friday, January 3, from 9 a.m. until the celebration of his life at 11 a.m. Please share your condolences at www.sealefuneral.com
9 comments
Roger Mayes
January 5, 2025 at 2:05 pm
There are no words that can describe the enormity of this loss. As an employee, Ken’s knowledge, loyalty, dedication and professionalism made him the very best. His kindness, honesty,, compassion and integrity defined him as a person. Over his 40 plus years, his contributions to the growth and development of Louisiana Nursery were immeasurable. Rest In Peace my dear friend!. We will miss you.
Roger Mayes
Founder on Louisiana Nursery
John Kennedy
January 5, 2025 at 3:16 am
His genuine warmth & kindness radiated to each person he encountered. His spirit remains…
Saddened for his family & the community.
John & Souny Kennedy
David H Delaune
January 3, 2025 at 5:29 am
My Friend and Brother with the Krewe of Apollo Baton Rouge will be truly missed my Friend
Scott
January 2, 2025 at 11:45 pm
Such a huge loss for not just the company but the many friends and work family he watched over and customers he took care of. Blessings and prayers for his family!
David Fortenberry
January 2, 2025 at 11:22 pm
Ken was very instrumental thru my years of working for Louisiana Nursery, He would always be willing to share his knowledge and listen to my ideas on anything that made my job more enjoyable. I always looked forward to his views. His dedication was an inspiration, and his friendship a blessing
Jeff English
January 2, 2025 at 4:27 pm
Ken was one of the nicest people I’ve ever met. In my role helping Louisiana Nursery with its marketing communication efforts, he was always there to share his thoughts and suggest customers for our TV commercials. On a personal level, he provided me quite a bit of advice on my gardening efforts over the years. His kind ways and sweet personality will be missed.
Ronnie Scott-Poirrier
January 2, 2025 at 1:54 pm
So very sorry to hear this. I knew Ken for many years, he was a good friend and will be sorely missed.
Travis Phipps
January 2, 2025 at 3:46 am
I met you several years ago and was immediately impressed with your love of plants. You were very welcoming to me while I lived in Baton Rouge. May you rest in peace.
Saundra Lane
January 2, 2025 at 3:04 am
Ken was the sweetest guy and he was my friend of many years. I had such respect for all of his knowledge on horticulture and dedication to Krewe of Apollo. Blessings sent to Juan and the Gilbert family.