Obituary Record

Gaston Gardebled dies at the Bay. He belonged to a prominent family and was formerly Mayor of Bay St. Louis. Special to the States. Bay St. Louis, Miss, July 8, 1913.

Gaston G. Gardebled, formerly mayor of Bay St. Louis is dead at his home here. His death occurred at 3:30 o'clock last night after a lingering illness. He was 42 years old. Arrangements were made to hold the funeral at 4:30 o'clock this afternoon.

Mr. Gardebled was a native of The Bay. His family has long been prominent here. A brother, D.V. Gardebled who now lives in Lafayette, La. was mayor of Lafayette parish seat a few years ago. In his private business, Mr. Gardebled was a contractor. Most of the public buildings here, including the City Hall, were built by him.

A widow and seven children survive. Mrs Gardebled, before her marriage, was Miss May Huber. Mrs Gardebled, mother of Mr. Gardebled also survives. She is nearly 90 years old. (Newspaper, probably Sea Coast Echo July 3, 1913 - VF Gardebled).

Gaston G. Gardebled. (honored ?) by Cedar Grove Camp, No. 507, Woodmen of the World, of which order he was a member: Whereas, it has pleased the Great Architect of the Universe to remove from our midst our late brother, Sovereign Gaston G. Gardebled, and Whereas it is but just and fitting that recognition of his many virtues should be commemorated, therefore be it resolved, by Cedar Grove Camp, 507, Woodmen of the World, that while we bow with humble submission to the will of God, we do not the less mourn for our brother Sovereign who has been taken away from us.

Resolved, that in the death of Sovereign Gardebled, Gedar Grove Camp has lost a loyal member; the city of Bay St. Louis has lost an honored citizen, and his wife and children are deprived of the protection of a loving husband and a devoted father.

Resolved that Cedar Grove Camp extend to his bereaved ones our heartfelt sympathy and assure them we will be ever ready to lend a helping hand to them in time of need.

Be It further resolved, that the charter of our camp be draped in mourning for thirty days; that a page in our minutes be set aside in honor of his memory, and that a

copy of these resolutions properly engrossed be furnished his family and that same be published in the Gulf Coast Progress. (Newspaper, likely the Gulf Coast Progress, no date given).

Gaston Gabriel Gardebled, ex-mayor of the City of Bay St. Louis, died at the family home at 8:30 o'clock Tuesday night, July 8, 1913, surrounded by his loved ones. He had been ill for several weeks, and death came peacefully and calmly as a benediction from heaven to one who had suffered the ordeal of a long illness.

The deceased was a native of Bay St. Louis, Born 42 years ago, and was a son of Mrs. Celine Gardebled, one of the oldest and best-known residents of this city. He is survived by his devoted wife, who was Miss May Huber before her marriage, and seven children. Other relatives are three sisters, Mrs. Octave Fayard, Mrs. Florence Smelker, Miss Madeline Gardebled; two brothers Hon. D. V. Gardebled, prominent citizen and ex-mayor of Lafayette, La. and Mr. E. C. Gardebled, of this city, also well known.

Mr. Gardebled was a contractor of this city for the past twenty years during that time erected many of the prominent buildings, including City hall, which he occupied later in the capacity of mayor, an honor and trust which he served with success. He was alive to every public interest, and was always identified with all that was best for the city. He was truly a public-spirited citizen and showed this in many ways, especially as an advocate of public improvements, more and better streets, more lights, etc., and above all, was a friend and persistent worker for the public school. No one mayor of this city was a better and more active friend to public education than he.

He was an exempt member of the local fire company, a member of the Woodmen of the World, Ceder Grove Camp No. 507, and a prominent mayor. His funeral, which was held from his late residence in Second street, was under the auspices of the local lodge of Masons. The funeral was largely attended, testifying to the esteem in which Mr. Gardebled had been held, and after the remains had been tenderly consigned to the sacred bosom of mother earth, in the hallowed precints of Cedar Rest Cemetery, the freshlymade mound was banked high with floral tributes as a sentiment that silently, yet eloquently and forcibly, bespoke the esteem in which the deceased had been held by his friends and the public. The funeral was one of the largest ever held in this city. The Masons and Woodmen orders attended officially and many friends from out of town were present.

The bereaved family has the sympathy of the community in their hour of sorrow. (Unknown newspaper - VF Gardebled)

Source: Several newspapers