Search by Name

Search by Name

FUNERAL HOME

Smits Funeral Home - Dyer

2121 Pleasant Springs Lane

Dyer, Indiana

Paul Gibson Obituary

Paul A. Gibson

ST. JOHN - Paul Allen Gibson, 89, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, July 19, 2022, at home surrounded by his family. He was the oldest child of the late George and Ruth Gibson.

Paul is survived by his wife, Betty (Wiersma); his children: Scott (Dawn), Dave (Amy), Tami, and late Teri (late Tom) Kerns. Adored grandfather of Candice (David) Van Drunen, Jori (Joe) Vroom, Laci (Max) Van Dam, Isaac, Desi Kerns, Dillon Kerns, Grant, Will, Adam and Gise; and great-grandfather to Parker and Beckham. Beloved brother to late Bud (late Marlene), Mary (Marv) Smit, late Judy Urban; in-laws: Nick and Wilm DeGroot, and Harriet (late George) VanderVelde, Wally (Sandy) Urban.

Paul was born in South Holland, IL, and attended high school in Mishawaka, IN. After high school Paul joined the Air Force and was stationed in Korea. Upon returning home, he met the love of his life, Betty who he was married to for 64 years. Paul worked for his father and later owned Gibson Chevrolet.

Paul enjoyed traveling around the world early in his life and loved the Florida sun when he retired. Throughout his life he rode horses, drove buggies, raised chickens and always had at least one faithful German Shepherd by his side. He delighted in competing with his horse and buggy filled with his grandchildren in the Lake County Fair.

Paul not only served his country, but also served at his church, Faith Church (South Holland/Dyer). He was a church plant committee member, a deacon, an elder, a small group leader (for the horse-lovers Bible study), and an usher for many years. His cheerful personality, positive attitude and Christ-loving spirit made people feel comfortable.

A memorial visitation will be held Thursday, July 28, 2022 from 3:00 p.m. until the time of the memorial service at 7:00 p.m. at Faith Church, 100 W. 81st Ave., Dyer, IN with Scott Gibson officiating. Burial will be held at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery - Elwood, IL. Memorial contributions may be given to Evangelical Child and Family Agency (1530 N. Main St., Wheaton, IL 60187) or Young Life Ministry of Jan Mulder (PO Box 33, St. John, IN 46373). Arrangements entrusted to Smits Funeral Home - Dyer, IN. For further information, please contact 219-322-7300 or visit our online guestbook and obituary at www.SMITSFH.com.


To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Times on Jul. 24, 2022.

Memories and Condolences
for Paul Gibson

Not sure what to say?





Jan Mulder

July 28, 2022

Paul was a wonderful friend and a loyal, smiling, faithful, welcoming usher. Our team (and the whole church) will surely miss him at the door. He will be waiting for us all in Heaven to greet us there with desserts in hand when we arrive!! Paul, I am so grateful for your heart, your friendship, and your service and will miss you dearly.

Doug and Audrey VanVuren

July 28, 2022

Our heartfelt sympathy to you, Betty, and all of your family.

Steve Booth

July 27, 2022

I always enjoyed visiting with Paul and Betty either at youth baseball games or at Faith. Always pleasant and kind. My deepest sympathies to Betty, Scott, his family, and all who loved him

Charlotte Van Dam

July 26, 2022

May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief. Sending my deepest sympathy to the Gibson family.

Annamae Groeneveld

July 24, 2022

Happy, Kind, Always a kind word! He will be missed by many

Kimberly Aylsworth

July 23, 2022

Your family is in our thoughts and prayers.

Jim & Rosalie Reif

July 23, 2022

Our deepest sympathy to all of Paul’s loved ones

Barbara Kerns Conroy

July 22, 2022

My heart goes out to everyone in the family. Grampa Gibson had a wonderful impact on everyone's life! To say He will be missed, is an understatement. Keeping you in my prayers.

Beverly Perkins

July 22, 2022

My deepest sympathy Scott, and to all of your family. I met Mr. Gibson when he would drop by Midwest Transit occasionally. He was always pleasant and easy to chat with. Praying for you. Beverly Perkins

Michelle Lagestee

July 22, 2022

Prayers for you Betty, Scott & family.

The Spathiphyllum Plant

Friends at Sunset House North

Sent Flowers

Paul Sutkowski

July 21, 2022

Paul was always so upbeat and greeted me with a smile at church. Loved his positive attitude and encouragement. Well done good servant.

Sally Rock

July 21, 2022

It was pure joy and such a honor to have known Paul! Kind hearted, Godly man and the very best smile! My deepest sympathy to Dear Betty and family!

Julie Gonzalez

July 21, 2022

Worked at Gibson Chevy for 10 years. Always loved coming in the morning to see Paul's smiling face. Beating Everyone in in the morning. Saying HELLO to all who entered the dealership. Making sure everyone and Everything was up to par. Loved his horses and faithful German Shepherd, who made frequent visits at the dealership. May your family find peace knowing you all have a New guardian angel looking over you.

Jill Dyke

July 21, 2022

My deepest sympathies to Betty and the rest of the family. May God give you peace and comfort as you mourn. Paul was such a kind and friendly man. Love to Betty from my mom, Joyce Fennema.

July 21, 2022

Paul was always such a gracious man. Our prayers and sympathy to Betty and the family.
Sincerely, Joy Huizenga and family

Richard & Carol Seifert

July 21, 2022

We feel very honored and blessed to have known Paul. He was a great Christian man and loving friend. We will miss him greatly. We will keep Betts and the family in our prayers during this time of loss. ❤ Dick & Carol

Anita Boyd

July 20, 2022

Wishing Betty and family God´s comfort and peace during this difficult time.
Rest Well Paul!

Showing 1 - 18 of 18 results

Make a Donation
in Paul Gibson's name

Memorial Events
for Paul Gibson

Jul

27

Burial

Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery

Elwood, IN

Jul

28

Visitation

3:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Faith Church

100 W. 81 st Ave., Dyer, IN

Jul

28

Memorial service

7:00 p.m.

Faith Church

100 W. 81 st Ave., Dyer, IN

Funeral services provided by:

Smits Funeral Home - Dyer

2121 Pleasant Springs Lane, Dyer, IN 46311

How to support Paul's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Paul Gibson's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more