Kenneth Gilbert

Published 11:07 am Monday, January 13, 2025

Nov. 11, 1959 – Dec. 30, 2024

NATCHEZ – Kenneth “Ken” Gilbert, 65, a native of Vidalia; and longtime resident of Baton Rouge, passed away peacefully on Monday, Dec. 30, 2024. Ken graduated from LSU in Ornamental Horticulture in 1982 and shortly after went to work at Louisiana Nursery in Baton Rouge. Ken was a dedicated and extremely knowledgeable employee and asset. His career spanned 42 years and he was always happy to share any advice for those looking. He spent many years working at 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. He served as a board member for many years, served as a lieutenant on several Bal Masques, was the recipient 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 it was his kindness, his generosity, or his great “feather work.” 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 Florida, CaroI Ann Foot (David) of Michigan, Casey Gilbert (Darlene) of Louisiana, Gene Gilbert (Ann) of Louisiana, and Johnny Gilbert of Tennessee; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and other relatives.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Elmer and Gilda Murphy Gilbert.

Graveside services will be held at 11 a.m. at Natchez City Cemetery on Thursday, Jan. 16, 2025.