AQHA Director, Gilbert Arevalo, Has Passed

AQHA Publicity

The equine industry has lost a valuable proponent. Gilbert Arevalo Sr. of Loranger, Louisiana, passed away at Garden Park Medical Center in Gulfport on June 21 at 62. He was born on December 2, 1957, in Corpus Christi, Texas. Arevalo grew up in Gretna, Louisiana, and graduated from West Jefferson High School. In 1984, he and wife Della moved to the north side of the lake and eventually settled in Loranger with their children.

As an avid horseman, Arevalo loved keeping and showing horses. He served as president of the Louisiana Quarter Horse Association, was an AQHA director and was a commissioner during the building of the Florida Parishes Arena in Amite, Louisiana.

Arevalo spent his career in the oilfield, retiring from Shell and returning to instruct others in oilfield operations. He was a dedicated member of Our Lady of Pompeii in Tickfaw, Louisiana for over 30 years.

More than anything, Arevalo loved his family. He enjoyed barbecuing, and spending time with his family. He will be dearly missed.

Arevalo is survived by his wife of 41 years, Della Arevalo; son Gilbert Arevalo Jr.; daughter Amanda Arevalo Martin and husband Blake; mother Florence Segovia Arevalo; brother Ruben Arevalo Jr. and wife Carol; sister Mary Ann McKinney and husband Bill; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father, Ruben Arevalo Sr.; brothers Albert Arevalo and Joseph Arevalo; and nephew Aaron Arevalo.

Family and friends will be received at Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home, 2000 N. Morrison Blvd, Hammond, LA 70401 from 5 p.m.-9 p.m. on June 26. Visitation will continue at the funeral home from 8 a.m.-9 a.m. on June 27, followed at 10 a.m. with a funeral mass at Our Lady of Pompeii Catholic Church, 14450 Hwy 442, Tickfaw, LA 70466 at 10 a.m. on June 27, with Father Michael Galea officiating. Social distancing is encouraged, and face masks will be required in the church. Entombment will follow at Pompeii Cemetery Mausoleum in Tickfaw.