Robert William Lee Gibson

Robert William Lee Gibson, age 75, of Dover, died peacefully early Monday morning, February 4, 2008, in his residence following a lengthy illness.Bob was born at New Philadelphia, April 13, 1932, and was the son of the late William C. and Nellie V. Glass Gibson. He was baptized in the Lutheran faith.A 1950 graduate of Dover High School, Bob joined the Navy O1 Active Reserve, in 1948, during the same period he began flight training with Harry Clever, Sr. In 1949 he joined the Navy, from 1951 thru 1952 he served his country as a Navy Airman during the Korean War. In 1952 he was injured by a PCE-52 cruiser jet and was honorably discharged with a medical rating in 1954 from the Fourth Naval District in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. After proudly serving his country, Bob became a life member of the Army-Navy Club, serving as B.A.V.S. Veterans Officer; a life member of the Dover VFW, serving as an active honor guard and color guard member. In addition, he was a life member of the New Philadelphia VFW, life member of the New Philadelphia Amvets, and a life member of the American Legion. Mr. Gibson was also the former owner of Gibson Brothers Auto Supply retiring in 1969.Bob is survived by three daughters, Vickie (husband Jeff) DeMattio of Charleston, South Carolina; Robin Gibson and her husband Mark Scott of Dover, Carol Gibson, of Dover. A granddaughter Shaun DeMattio of Charleston, South Carolina; a sister, Shirley LeMaters of Anaheim, California, his former wife, Shirley Williams Gibson of Woodsfield, Ohio, friends, Fritz Wendling, Rex and Max Pritchard and Bob Minard, also survive. In addition to his parents, Robert is preceded in death by a sister, Elneda Gibson, and a good friend, Commander Robert Coleman.In keeping with Mr. Gibson’s wishes, cremation has been entrusted to the care of the Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home & Crematory at New Philadelphia. Friends and family will gather for a military graveside service lead by his comrades of the Dover VFW Military Funeral Detail on Saturday morning at 10 AM in Evergreen Burial Park at New Philadelphia. Those unable to attend may send personal condolences to the family and sign the online registry by visiting the funeral home’s website.Memorial contributions may be made to any veteran’s related charity of the donor’s choice.