Carl R. “Bob” Gibson, 78, formerly of Bellefontaine, passed away peacefully in his sleep at 7:45 a.m. on Monday June 15, 2020, at home, with his wife Valeeta, from a severe illness.
Bob was born in Bellefontaine, April 23, 1942, to the late Carl and Hope Iona (Skidmore) Gibson. He was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters, Claudia Sue Pittman, and Barbara Carole Niswonger; and his Grandson Jason Fotou.
Bob married Valeeta Maxwell Oct. 3, 1987, on County Road 29 in Bellefontaine. He is survived by his wife of 33 years; his children, Kim (Miguel) Vazquez of Dayton, Michelle (Jerry) Corwin of Belle Center, and Andy (LeeAnn) Gibson of Huntsville; nine grandchildren; nine great grandchildren; and one great-great granddaughter; and many nieces and nephews.
After graduating from Bellefontaine High School, Bob went to work at Rockwell and was there for many years until they shut it down. He then went on to retire from Honda of America.
Bob was an avid hunter of rabbits, squirrels, and raccoons. He would miss some classes in school and go hunting with his dad and sometimes his Grandfather, or both. That meant a lot to all three of them. Not only did he enjoy hunting, but he also loved fishing and caught many fish in his life. He even went to Canada several times to catch those “big fish.” All you had to say was, “Do you want to go fishing or hunting?” and he would be there.
Bob was an avid baseball and football fan especially of Ohio State and the Bucs. He wouldn’t miss those games for anything. Bob had a race horse named “Crookie” that he and Valeeta enjoyed traveling to fairs to watch him race. He did win at times. Bob and Valeeta visited many racetracks where they bet on horses and dogs.
Another thing Bob loved was going to Las Vegas for a week, and we did that for many years. Bob and Valeeta took all the children with them and they enjoyed it. He loved going to Tampa, Florida Casino, too. One of the best vacations Bob loved was going to Alaska for five weeks. He felt Alaska was God’s country. The family did so many things while we were there, but the Denali National Park stood out above everything.
Family and friends may call from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. June 27 at the Eichholtz Daring & Sanford Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Bellefontaine, where a funeral service will begin at 2 p.m. with Pastor Bryan Meadows officiating. Burial will follow in Huntsville Cemetery in Huntsville.
Valeeta would like to thank the Suncoast Hospice in St. Petersburg, Fla., for the love and care they provided to Bob and her. Memorial contributions may be made, in Bob’s memory, to Suncoast Hospice/Empath Health, 701 6th Street South, St. Petersburg, Florida 33701.
Funeral arrangements are in care of the Eichholtz Daring & Sanford Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Bellefontaine and online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.edsfh.com.