Howard Francis Gibson

TupeloHoward Francis Gibson, 89, died Saturday, March 27, 2010, at Community Hospice at Darlington Oaks in Verona, MS. Mr. Gibson was born in Guntown, on October 11, 1920, to the late Mr. and Mrs. Paul R. Gibson. Mr. Gibson was one of four children; Thomas Ellis Gibson and wife, Janet, of Pensacola, Florida, the Late Robert Milton Gibson, and the late Harry Hill Gibson.
He attended school in the Cedar Hill Community where he graduated and then accepted a basketball scholarship to Holmes Junior College. He later transferred to the University of Mississippi.
Mr. Gibson was a decorated veteran of World War II, serving in the United States Army in Northern France and Central Europe. A dedicated and long time Tool and Dye maker of Delta International Machinery Corporation (formally Rockwell International), Mr. Gibson retired after 37 years of dedicated service. He was an avid sports fan, enjoying the Atlanta Braves and his much loved Mississippi State Bulldogs. Our precious Pop leaves his family, whom he loved so much and was so proud, with many wonderful memories.
Services will be 2 p.m. Monday at The Jefferson Street Chapel of W.E. Pegues with Dr. David Eldridge officiating. Burial will be in Lee Memorial Park.
He is survived by his wife, Christine Graves Gibson, and their two children, Kaye Gibson Roper and husband, C. J. Roper, of Tupelo, Michael Lee Gibson and wife, Margaret S. Gibson, of Tupelo; his grandchildren, Ron Roper and wife, Tara Thomas Roper, Ryan Roper and wife, Shelley Cartwright Roper, Kaycee Roper Burrell and husband, Benjamin Burrell, Michael Gibson and fiance, Andrea Cottongin (11-6-10), and Megan Gibson and fianc, Josh Herndon (5-29-10), all of Tupelo. He is also survived by three great-grandchildren, Lily Mayo Roper, Sadie Frances Roper, and Thomas Gibson Roper. Mr. Gibsons extended family includes the late Mr. and Mrs. Paul Perkins, Rev. and Mrs. Bill Smith, Mr. and Mrs. Paul Smith and family, and Mr. and Mrs. Scott Cagle and family.
Pallbearers will be Ron Roper, Ryan Roper, Michael Gibson, Benjamin Burrell, and Josh Herndon
The family would like to extend our love and gratitude to each of the nurses and caregivers at Community Hospice. The heartfelt concern and patience shown to the Gibson family, most especially our Ginny, during the illness and loss of her husband of 66+ years will always be remembered.
The family appreciates all of the thoughts, prayers, and deeds of precious friends and loved ones which helped to make Pops journey home much easier for us all. Memorials may be sent to Community Hospice, PO Box 333, Sherman MS 38869; or Calvary Baptist Church, PO Box 1008, Tupelo MS 38802.
Visitation will be 12:30 p.m. to service time at the funeral home.