John C. Gibson

John Gibson, 67, left behind his pained and broken body for the promise of his heavenly home, on July 5, 2006 with his family by his side. A celebration of John�s life will be held Saturday, July 8, 2006, beginning with visitation at 8:30 a.m. and the service at 10:00 a.m. at the Maywood Baptist Church, Independence, MO. The celebration will not be complete without his grandson, Adam, who is currently serving his country in Iraq. Although he couldn�t be here, PaPa knew his grandson�s love and admiration, and was very proud of him and his accomplishments. Adam shared his PaPa�s likes, and you could find them together sharing the Sunday afternoon race. Burial at Forest Hill Cemetery, Kansas City, MO. John was born on September 2, 1938, the second of four children to E.J. (Jack) and Dorothy (Petersen) Gibson, Sr. John was a Baptist by faith and a member of Maywood Baptist Church. He graduated from Grain Valley High School in 1956 and then joined the U.S. Navy, where he proudly served until May 30, 1959. After his discharge, he met and married his soul mate, Carol (DeSmedt) Gibson on October 30, 1959 in Adrian, MO. To this marriage came multiple blessings and three wonderful children. John tried to make the best of all he was dealt. He was a hard worker. After more than 30 years of service, he went on disability, finally retiring from the Lake City Ammunition Plant in 2002. John enjoyed sharing in the lives of his family. He welcomed all, and you always knew where you stood with him. He enjoyed the Lake of the Ozarks and Branson for weekend getaways with his wife. He also looked forward to, and enjoyed his weekend visits with his granddaughter, Megan. As he began to lose his health he continued to find joy in following NASCAR and following the Royals and the Chiefs, no matter how badly they were losing. John was preceded in death by his parents, Jack and Dorothy Gibson; his mother and father-in-law, Albert and Elizabeth DeSmedt; and his brother, E.J. (Jay) Gibson, Jr. John is survived by his wife of 46 years, Carol. His three children, John, Jr. and wife Gina, Kim Buckley and husband Bob, Karen Conn and husband Steve; 12 grandchildren, Brandon, Mitchell, Kristin, Johnna, Nicole, Adam, Jessica, Chris, Megan, Zack, Ricky and Andy; 5 great grandchildren; his brother and sister-in-law, Ken and Carol Gibson, MT; sister and brother-in-law, Elizabeth and Roy Penderson, Blue Springs, MO; brother-in-law, Albert DeSmedt, Lee�s Summit, MO; and a host of other family and friends. John was a simple man with a tough exterior to protect the gentle spirit. He ran a tough race, fought a good fight, but now he�s crossed the finish line. John�s family would like to acknowledge the care and support given by his doctor, Dr. Thomas Alcox; St. Luke�s Internal Medicine; and his favorite nurse, Patsy. John was known and loved by many, and will be greatly missed by all.