Richard Earl Gibson

June 11, 1931 - May 13, 2011 OKLAHOMA CITY Richard Earl Gibson, 79, went to be with the Lord on May 13, 2011. He was born June 11, 1931 in Arlington, TX to Thomas & Minnie Evelyn Gibson. Richard honorably served in the US Navy. On June 11, 1953, he married Eldean Smith; they shared 57 years of marriage & raising a family. A lifetime resident of the OKC area, Richard worked for TG&Y retail stores for 35 years before retiring. Throughout his life Richard was a member of South Lindsay Baptist, Southern Hills Baptist, and Southwest Church of Christ. Richard, a loving man who always went "above and beyond" in caring for his family and friends. He was a loving husband, devoted father, and adoring grandfather who will be deeply missed. Preceded in death by his parents; son, John Koch; and grandson, Jeffrey Gibson. He leaves behind his loving wife, Eldean Gibson; sons, Tom and Ralph Gibson; daughter, Mryl Basinger; brother, Ralph Gibson; sisters, Shirley Emerson and Karen Allen; grandchildren: Jimmy, Terry & Chris Basinger; Mike, Tom & Ryan Koch; Jason, Amanda & Amy Gibson; 10 great-grandchildren and a host of nieces and nephews. Services are 10:00 AM, Monday, May 16, 2011, at the South Lakes Chapel. Interment will follow at Hillside Cem. in Purcell, OK. Friends may leave condolences at www.vondelsmithmortuary.com www.vondelsmithmortuary.com