Robert E. "Bob" Gibbs

Robert E. Gibbs, 98, passed away at his home on August 4, 2025. He was born in Canton on January 5, 1927 to the late Noel & Irene (Gnagy) Gibbs. Before he could graduate from high school and finish his trade as an electrician, Bob willingly enlisted in the United States Navy where he proudly served his country during WWII.

Once he returned, he continued his passion as an electrician working at Timken for a short time before needing a change of scenery. So, Bob became a firefighter.

He was hired in 1952 by Canton and retired in 1979 as Captain and just recently earned the title of "oldest living retired member of Canton Firefighter IAFF Local 249" back in June.

After his 27-year career as a firefighter, Bob went back to being an electrician. He was head of maintenance for the Stark County MRDD for 15 years before retiring from there.

Bob was known for his dedication and integrity in all that he did. He worked tirelessly because he wanted too, but his wife Lois "made" him fully retire when he was 85 years old.

After his wife passed though, Bob continued to do things to keep himself busy. He enjoyed painting by numbers landscapes and even helped at Habitat for Humanity for a few years.

Bob was never one to boast about his accomplishments, but he certainly has left a legacy of love and dedication.

He is survived by his loving daughter Tammy (Tony) Morris; and grandchildren Garrett Green, Emmalee Green, and Matthew Morris; as well as other grandkids, nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents and wife Lois, Bob was also preceded in death by his first wife, Beverly Gibbs; sons Glen Adkins and Scotty Adkins; as well as his sisters Anna Bell Hiben and Virginia Payne.

A Last Alarm service will be held on Wednesday, August 13th at 10:45 a.m. at Good Shepard Lutheran Church, 4120 Cleveland Ave NW, Canton, OH 44709. A memorial service will follow at 11 a.m. at the church.

Burial will take place at Sunset Hills Burial Park where military rites will be rendered.