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Vince Gibson Obituary
The mayor's office in Kenner, La., said in a news release that Gibson passed away at his home on Tuesday.
Gibson, who also coached at Kansas State and Louisville, had been diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, commonly known as "Lou Gehrig's disease," and was fighting it for the past year.
"Our sympathies go out to the entire Gibson family as we mourn the loss of one of our great coaches and ambassador," said Tulane athletic director Rick Dickson. "I have known Coach Gibson since his recruitment of me for Kansas State in the 1970s and have always had the highest regards for him, both as a coach and as a friend. I will miss our many chats."
Gibson coached at Tulane from 1980-82, compiling a 17-17 record. He took the Green Wave to the Hall of Fame Bowl in his first season, but Tulane lost 34-15 to Arkansas.
Gibson also coached the Arena Footba ll League's New Orleans Night in the 1992 season.
Funeral arrangements are incomplete.
Copyright © 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
67 Entries
Jonathan Powers
July 31, 2025
Love you Uncle Vince
Jonathan Powers
October 31, 2024
We gonna win!
j
January 14, 2024
A dear friend... Thanks for all your advice and compliments... God sent you. Love,j
John Emerson
October 21, 2014
What a great environment to be around when Vince Gibson was in Manhattan.I have great memories of hanging out at the K-state athletic dorms with Jim Favrow and lifting wieghts on the universal wieght lifting machine with some of the players when i was in the 5th grade..WOW what a great experiance going to the football games in the late 60s and something that ill always remember. Thanks for the great time we all had ...Purple Pride Forever!!!
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julie gibbs
September 6, 2014
My deepest regrets for not knowing this sooner....Ms. Cecile and Vince taught me so much about football and business as their employee.God bless you and your family!
January 3, 2013
Sorry for ur loss . I have always wondered what happened to the Gibsonfamily since Manhattan days.
Annie (Ellen) Brooks
March 31, 2012
Pam,
My heart is with you and your family.
Sharon de Castro
February 10, 2012
Its been one month since you left to be with our Heavenly Father. You were such a special person and everyone who came in contact with you, LOVED you. I will miss that mischievious smile, your funny stories and just being part of your & Cecile's lovely family.
Missing you a great deal!
shirley hunter
January 30, 2012
Dear Diana - I know you are going through a tough time, I will keep you in my prayers. May you and your family find comfort in knowing your Dad is a peace and you will meet again someday!
St. Joseph Hospice
January 24, 2012
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
January 24, 2012
Jerry and I send our deepest sympathies to the entire Gibson Family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Sincerely,
Jerry & Charlen Womack
Debbie Krause
January 20, 2012
Pam,
Our thoughts and prayers to you and your family. With deepest sympathy.
Frank Ellis
January 20, 2012
Those who gathered together to worship in memory Vince's life are blessed to be able to honor his family and all who know him. The light of his faith shall be remain in our hearts always.
T Fuqua
January 18, 2012
Dear Cecile,
You all have never been far from my thoughts, I have so may memories of your kindness and caring. My prayers are with you and the entire family.
T Fuqua
Seeley Lake , Montana
January 18, 2012
Joan and I wish to express our sincere sympathy to Vince's family on his passing. He will be remembered.
Dan Cantor
January 18, 2012
"To the GIbson Family, my prayers and thoughts are with you during at this time.
Maria DeFrancesch
John Lambert
January 17, 2012
My sincere and deepest sympathies to Coach Gibson' s family on your loss. I'm sure Vince being a born again christian is now in a better place where there is no more suffering. I talked to Vince a few times but felt like he was one of my best friends and I had known him for thirty years, you never had to tell Vince to relax and loosen up. PUKU. Jay
Linda Slatten
January 17, 2012
To the Gibson Family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. Vince was always such a nice and friendly man. I of course met him when he became the Coach at Tulane. Later I would see him at Quarterback Luncheons. Always a smile and say hello to me.
When i heard about him having ALS, I was very saddened that his last days would be with this terrible disease.
Sincerely
Linda L Slatten
Kenny Spellman
January 17, 2012
On behalf of the Brothers of the Sacred Heart Alumni Association and Brother Martin High School, I offer our prayers and condolences.
Kenny Spellman
Alumni Director
Mo and William Stuart
January 17, 2012
To the Gibson Family,
Our deepest sympathy to you and your family - Our prayers are with you and Vince.
January 17, 2012
Dear Cecile and family,
I will always remember Coach with a smile on my face because he was an absolute beacon of love. It sounds funny for a tough ball coach to be remembered that way, but he was always so supportive and caring of the people we had relationships with. His high pitched, Southern twang, was one of a kind. Vince was a great friend to my father, they loved the memories of South Georgia, and the current days at the track. Vince really helped me understand tough relationships, because he came from a position of love and that was a fantastic touch. His devotion to Christ gave him the confidence, compassion and willingness to help me. Vince will be missed by a huge number of friends, and i'll certainly be one.
Steve Brinson Metairie, la.
Al Tircuit
January 17, 2012
Coach Gibson was never far from my thoughts although I hadn't spoke to him in a while. He was a special friend, who I will always remember for the way he made me always feel that he was glad to see me. I thank him for the great things he accomplished throughout his coaching career, especially at Tulane in getting two wins against LSU. His memory lives on in all the family and friends he loved.
God bless the Gibson family and I know that Jesus is glad to have coach
His heavenly staff along with Ellender and Smith - The Three Green Wave
Angels.
January 16, 2012
Dear Cecile and Family,
We want to express our deepest sympathy for your loss. We enjoyed being with you and Vince at the Small Group Meetings. He always had very meaningful input. May he rest in peace. God bless you.
Sincerely,
Normandie and Paul Eversole
Karol McGovern
January 16, 2012
For the Family of Vince Gibson ..
He will be missed.
I loved him very much.
Karol McGovern
Ken Trahan
January 16, 2012
Greg, Larry, Janet and all:
I grieve for your loss but smile in thinking about my friend, Vince. His faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior has sustained him. Our hope and belief is that we will one day be reunited with him with no more suffering, body decay or pain. Vince was kind, funny and giving. I was honored to have covered his teams, worked with him and to have spent time with him on this earth. May God truly bless and keep your wonderful family moving forward.
Melanie Adams
January 15, 2012
Thinking of you all during this time of grief and sending lots of love your way. Even though Vince's suffering has ended, I know yours continues. Peace be with you.
Denny Wolfe
January 15, 2012
Dear Cecile, my sincere condolences. Without having known him, Vince had my appreciation and respect over the years for all he meant to Evie and Claire.
Love, peace, freedom, happiness, to Vince and all of you.
Kim Browne
January 15, 2012
Cecile and family,
Patrick and I send our thoughts and prayers to you. Vince was truly a special person that touched many people's hearts and was gifted at inspiring many. Even though we cannot be with you Tuesday, please know that we are with you in spirit and that we love you.
-Kim & Patrick Browne
Dr Greg Domecq
January 15, 2012
Coach Gibson was a passionate man who loved his work. He influenced many. May he rest in peace.
Lori Hill
January 14, 2012
Ms. Cecile,
I am so sorry to hear about Vince's death. I have lots of great memories working with him, you and your family during the world's fair. He was always full of life with a smile plastered on his face. He was appreciated and loved by many.
God Bless,
Lori Hill
Terri Embry
January 14, 2012
Coach was loved by the Embry family in Louisville. Our deepest sympathy to Cecile, Greg and Pam.
Bill Favrow
January 14, 2012
Cecile, Greg, Janet and Larry;
I will forever be thankful to have known Coach Gibson. I was a graduate assistant just finishing my masters when Vince came to Manhattan, he recognized me for my knowledge in strength training and took a likeing to me and I established a program at a time when strength training was not as accepted as it is today. He wanted me to stay at KSU and offered me a job as the director of the Athletic Dormitory. My wife and two small sons lived in the dorm and had a awesome impact on our whole family. Vince was a great person. He came back to Manhattan this fall and I was able to visit with him. He was a delight, rest assured that he is in a better place now and I am sure the Lord smiled when he announced that "WE GONNA WIN!!" Miss you Coach!!
Mark Yearout
January 13, 2012
Greg & Family - So many good memories of your dad! As a rookie sports writer at K-State talking with him after every practice .. to golfing with him and Hank .. to chasing after him for tickets to Super Bowls and NCAA Final Fours. I lost my mom two years ago and I realize the healing process takes some time and I wish you the best during this period. Vince was a wonderful guy and I'm proud to call both of you friends.
January 13, 2012
WE LOST A GREAT MAN AND COACH .OUR PRAYERS GO OUT TO THE FAMILY.
FORMER PLAYER AT LOUISVILLE, RAY PAYTON
pam wilkerson
January 12, 2012
ii thought vince was such a fine man. I really enjoyed knowing him and will miss him.my prayers are with all of your family.
Kurt Schottenheimer
January 12, 2012
Kurt Schotenheimer sends his deepest sympathy. You were a great friend and admired by all who knew you. May you rest in peace.
Bonnie Sinclair-Andrews
January 12, 2012
Greg, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at the loss of your dad.
rich williams
January 12, 2012
the world has lost a great person, & awesome coach/motivator ! thank u for what u did for me & all young athletes. 1982 -#90 last tulane team in history to beat lsu.... 31-28 n tiger stadium , what a night ! thanks coach
January 12, 2012
Greg, sorry to here of your loss. You are in my prayers. David Howell
Furman Stansell
January 12, 2012
Only knew Coach Gibson for a few months when he was Bobby Bowden's assistant at South Georgia college in Douglas,
Ga.but he was agreat person and who would have ever guessed where those two would go from that time until now.Our thoughts and prayers are with you and may God continue to bless you.
John Jeter
January 12, 2012
Vincent Gibson was my first Y-baseball coach, it was in Norwood (Birmingham, AL). This was in the late 40's or early 50's. I followed his career and still remember his good nature and road trips in his father's 1938 LaSalle auto. He was a positive influence on many lives.
January 12, 2012
Vince Gibson was fantastic! I graduated from K-State in '60 and came back for Homecoming 1969 and watched us drill OU.
I am so thankful for "we gonna win", and make everything PURPLE PRIDE. It is a sad day that he is gone, but may the family truly know how much K-State is the better for having him as a coach, mentor, and caring for Purple.
He made the Football office so exciting. He had his secertary using a PURPLE TYPEWRITER! JCPENNY started selling purple!! I am so glad that he crossed my path. I will always treasure those memories. I am sorry for your loss and thanks for sharing your husband, and father. K-State became better and the whole world noticed. Mil Sanderson now living in Fort Worth, Texas.
Kamel Boughrara
January 12, 2012
God bless him and his family. A true gentleman! From an LSU fan.
Harry Simpson
January 12, 2012
Thank you for sharing a part of your life with us.
Steven and Loretta Conques
January 12, 2012
Greg,
Please know that our prayers and thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time. May the good memories help you though and give you peace. God bless.
Tom Avret
January 12, 2012
I AM A FORMER HIGH SCHOOL COACH WHO MET VINCE IN THAT CAPACITY. HE WAS A GREAT STUDENT OF THE GAME. THEN, I WAS IN BUSINESS IN JACKSONVILLE, FL AND MET HIM AT A HANK STRAM CELEBRITY GOLF TOURNAMENT. HE WAS A GREAT SPEAKER, A GREAT MENTOR AND A GREAT PERSON! GOD BLESS THE FAMILY. ISAIAH 40:30-31
January 12, 2012
Cecile,Greg,Janet and Larry;
I am sorry for your lost but happy to know that Vince is in the hands of the Lord and did not suffer for an extended period of time.
Lots of Love,
Your friend and Louisville neighbor,
Tom Wood
Aurora Castillo
January 12, 2012
I met Coach in a Bible Study a few years back. I am a missionary in Uganda and he was so interested in helping the less fortunate. He would arrange lunches when I would come once a year to build awareness of the needs of these people. I am privileged to have know him and will miss him. May the Lord strengthen his family. He will be greatly missed.
Tony Callaway
January 12, 2012
Coach Gibson was my 11th Grade Sunday School teacher at the First Baptist Church in Tallahasse, Fl in 1962. He had the class in his home often and was a great influence on my life. I will never forget him. Reverend Tony Callaway, Atlanta, Ga. [email protected]
Bill Bridges Class of 1970
January 12, 2012
Coach Gibson gave me, and many other young men, a chance to play college football and help pay for our education. He was a driving force, a positive thinker, and a straight shooter. He certainly bolstered my work ethic through his expectations and example, which served me well throughout my career. I will always remember my days at KSU fondly, in no small part due to the influence of Coach Gibson. Rest in peace, Coach, knowing you left a fine legacy.
John Horace Dickinson
January 12, 2012
My heart felt sympathy goes out to the family of one of my best childhood friends. I will always cherish the many memories we shared.
January 12, 2012
I am truly sorry for your lost. In your time of bereavement, know that God assures us that we will see our loved ones again. I'm sure that with the help of our loving Heavenly Father, your family, and friends you will be able to endure this trial. May your memories give you comfort.
Gates, GA
Donnie Haws
January 12, 2012
Good bye coach, I know you are already in heaven. God Bless.
Bob Kerns
January 12, 2012
I wish to express my sorrow to the family of Coach Gibson. I remember Coach Gibson for my days at Kansas State. He brought the purple back to Manhattan. God Bless you all.
Bob Kerns
Class of '72
riley barker
January 12, 2012
I was a new student at KSU starting Vince's second year. He became my all time hero, an inspiration to me for my entire life, especially when things seemed tough. Vince was bigger than life, a tremendous asset for all within his very large sphere of influence. What a man!
RAYMOND SOUTH
January 12, 2012
COACH GIBSON WAS A GREAT MAN. I WAS WITH HIM AT SOUTH GEORGIA COLLEGE WHERE HE COACHED WITH BOBBY BOWDEN. HE WAS WELL LIKED BY ALL AND HE WILL BE MISSED.
shelly M
January 12, 2012
Rest in peace
January 12, 2012
To the the family of Vince Gibson - May God give you peace and comfort through his word and the Lord Jesus Christ during this time of sorrow, I know that he will be missed by many.
January 11, 2012
Coach Gibson was loved and will be missed by everyone .He was a great teacher and a grand listerner ,taught many .God will take care of Coach just like he took care of all the ones that loved him.Thanks for the memories Coach ,we love you ,,,Linda & Mike "Foots" George Jr.(Thibodaux,La.)
Jon and Marj Hazelton
January 11, 2012
We moved to Louisville in 1975 the same time Vince was hired at U of L and lived in Hurstbourne not far from where the Gibsons moved into. Vince was down to earth and friendly. We always enjoyed seeing he and his wife around our local club there in Hurstbourne. It has been a long time ago but we extend our deepest sympathies to his family and we will always have pleasant memories of him.
Robert Thrasher
January 11, 2012
To the family of Coach Gibson:
I will always remember Coach as being a father figure to so many young men. His admiration for the game of football was special. I had the privelege of visiting with Coach before his condition progressed. Jerry May and I considered Coach one of our dearest friends. Coach I wish I could have made it easier but life doesn't through us all fast balls. I will always cherish my years with you at the University of Louisville. Your Friend Bosey
RJ Gump
January 11, 2012
Not only was Vince "gonna' win", Vince did win in the big game of life. He was a positive, enthusiastic, and energetic participant; he was a warm, intelligent and observant human being. We are better for his life. Thanks, Vince.
Leon and Kim Shingledecker
January 11, 2012
Coach, We will miss you very much and God Bless his family and our deepest sympathy
Rick Lawrence
January 11, 2012
My Sympathies are with you. I still remember how I could stop by your house in Manhattan and Coach Gibson always made me feel like I was part of the family. He was truly a great man, who did a lot for Kansas State, Manhattan and the state of Kansas, where he is still loved to this day!
John Finucane
January 11, 2012
For the Family and Friends of Coach Vince Gibson,
Please accept my deepest sympathies on the passing of Coach Gibson. I remember from my youth when he was the Coach of the Kansas State Wildcats and he alway's used the phrase "Purple Pride" when he referred to the Kansas State faithful. May he Rest In Peace.
Fred Holroyd
January 11, 2012
Having been a K-State fan for many years, I always appreciated Coach Gibson's upbeat approach to his job, i.e. "we gonna win" and "purple pride". I have had season tickets since the currect stadium was opened (which I believe was Coach Gibson's second year) and he has always been one of my favorite coaches. My sympathy to his family.
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