Kenneth “Ken” Gilbert

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