Richard Gibson

A memorial service will be at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, January 12, 2020 with Pastors Jack Kern and Kyle Naylor officiating.

Richard Lavatle Gibson, 75, of Meridian, MS passed away on January 3, 2020, Richard was born in Collins, Mississippi to Hunon Sherwood "Charlie" and Anne Gibson on April 24, 1944. He went to school at the Mississippi School for the Deaf in Jackson, Mississippi where he enjoyed playing football and spent a year in vocational training in Hot Springs, Arkansas. He worked as a printer for McGregor and the Meridian Public Schools Central Office. He married Sharon on April 24, 1993, in Russell, Mississippi. They enjoyed 26 years together and were almost inseparable.

Richard was preceded in death by his parents Charlie and Anne Gibson and brother Charles Gibson.

He is survived by his wife Sharon Gibson, his daughter Elizabeth Gibson of Meridian, step-children Rollin Bonner of Reno, Nevada, Rex Bonner of Pleasanton, California, and Tammy Thompson (Austin) of Meridian, four grandchildren Evan Gibson Cook and Josie, Audrey, and Carrie Thompson, all of Meridian; and sister Becki Blake (Charles) of Chunky.

Richard liked bright colors, creating things on paper, mowing, and tinkering in the basement. He was an avid fisherman from a young age and loved all things fish. He taught sign language to many and enjoyed signing to music. Playing monster with the grandkids was a favorite activity when they were young. He was a cat man and proud of it. In recent months he had learned a bit of cooking in order to help his wife. Many called him their "buddy" and say he was joyful with a contagious smile.