Robert K. Gibson M.D.

Dr. Robert (Bob) Gibson lived a full, rich, and meaningful life, passing away after a brief illness at age 95. He was a well-respected and liked pediatrician in Muncie for decades. This writing cannot adequately convey the depth of his character. He was a fine man of quiet Christian convictions to whom people and family gravitated. He enjoyed many friendships of long duration.
Bob was born in Batesville, Indiana, the third of four children born to Charles and Adeline Gibson. He grew up enjoying fishing, hunting and golf, all of which he pursued in his adult life. He caught bass as recently as last summer and played golf until last month, continuing to shoot his age.
He consistently displayed academic excellence, graduating Batesville High School as valedictorian, then attending DePauw University on a Rector scholarship, graduating Phi Beta Kappa in 1950. Bob then went to Indiana University School of Medicine, receiving the award for the highest academic achievement, being first in his graduating class.
Following an internship at Cincinnati General Hospital, Bob served for two years in the U.S. Naval Reserve as a medical officer assigned to the Marine Corps. Following that he accepted a residency and fellowship in pediatrics at Riley Children's Hospital in Indianapolis. While at Riley Bob met an attractive nurse named Lynn Sturgeon, who he married in 1959. Bob and Lynn moved to Muncie in 1960, with Bob joining the Children's Clinic, a practice he enjoyed for three decades. He finished his medical practice on the staff of the Ball State Student Health Center, retiring in 1996. During his years in Muncie Bob held various civic board appointments and professional association leadership positions.
Bob is survived by Lynn, his loving wife of 65 years, and two daughters he adored, Ann Gibson Petr (John) of Indianapolis and Jane Gibson Karner (Mark) of Joliet, Illinois. Bob leaves behind two grandsons he dearly loved, Gibson Karner and Creighton Karner. He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.
Services will be held on Thursday, August 8, at High Street United Methodist Church, 219 S. High St., Muncie, IN 47305. Calling will be from 10:00 until 11:30, at which time there will be a funeral service. There will be a reception immediately afterward at the church. A private burial will follow.
Memorial contributions in Bob's name may be made to the church (where he counted money every Monday for years) or the I.U. School of Medicine Department of Pediatrics, 1130 W. Michigan St., Fesler Hall 320, Indianapolis, IN 47305.
Online condolences may be directed to the family at www.meeksmortuary.com.