Robert Glenn “Bob” Gibson, 90, of Tremont went to be with Jesus on Saturday, January 2, 2021, at OSF St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria.
He was born on November 14, 1930, in Tremont, Illinois, on the parking lot of the Tremont Baptist Church, the site of the former family home, to Glenn C. and Mable Larson Gibson. He married Barbara Ellen Vincent on October 13, 1957, at the Tremont Methodist Church, and she survives. He was preceded in death by his parents, one infant sister Margaret, and one brother Don Gibson.
Surviving are his four children, Julie (Scott) Largent of Tremont, Jim Gibson of Morton, Jan Gibson of Tremont, and Jill (Pat) Finnegan of Wyoming; five grandchildren, Seth Largent of Tremont, Wesley, Blake, and Ethan Gibson of Morton, and Sophie Finnegan of Wyoming.
Bob graduated from Tremont High School in 1948. He was a natural athlete who participated in basketball and track, and he was a member of the very first football team at Tremont High School. He enjoyed talking about those memories. Bob also played trumpet in the high school band and always enjoyed music, especially Big Band.
Bob met the love of his life through a mutual friend on a blind date at the famous Hub Ballroom in Edelstein. He and Barb enjoyed the same styles of music and made quite the duo on the dance floor.
Bob began working at his Dad’s business, Tremont Oil Company, at the age of twelve. Upon his Dad’s retirement in 1959, Bob and Don became co-owners of the service station. Bob was known for his work ethic and put the word “service” in service station. Like his father during the Depression, Bob helped those in need in his humble way. Bob and Barb enjoyed nearly 30 years of retirement together. They also enjoyed trips to Branson, Missouri, and 56 years at their beloved Fred Thomas Resort in Birchwood, Wisconsin.
Bob was a dedicated volunteer on the Tremont Fire Department, serving for a total of 28 years. His family remembers him sleeping with the pager by his side each night. He and Barb spent hours volunteering at the Tremont Turkey Festival, working with the Jr. Women’s Club sandwich tent, and they also delivered Senior Meals on Wheels for several years.
Bob was most relaxed with a faithful English Springer Spaniel by his side or on the water drifting or trolling with his fishing pole in hand. He was also known for being able to build almost anything out of a piece of wood. His father gave him his first tools as he recognized Bob’s potential. His family, friends, and many other people have benefited from his lovely craftsmanship. Bob even built numerous boats and taught his children and their friends how to water ski on Lake Bloomington, creating wonderful memories.
Bob’s family would like to thank Tremont Rescue 702, all of the staff at OSF for their compassionate and loving care, all who honored him with a card or greeting on his 90th birthday, and all who have fervently supported us in prayer as he suffered complications from COVID-19.
A private funeral will be held at 2:00 pm Thursday, January 7, 2021, at Tremont United Methodist Church where he was a life-long member. Pastor Larry Frank and Pastor Cathy Clark will officiate. There will be no visitation. The service can be viewed live on Davis-Oswald Facebook page. Burial will be in Mount Hope Cemetery in Tremont. Davis-Oswald Funeral Home in Tremont is handling the arrangements.
Memorials may be made to Tremont United Methodist Church Family Life Center or Tremont Rescue 702.
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