Stephen D. Gibson

Stephen D. Gibson, a cherished Father, Husband, Grandfather, Uncle, Friend, and Artist, laid down his tools for the final time on February 27, 2024.

Born on November 8, 1950, in London, Ohio, Stephen was a proud member of London High School's class of 1969. Particularly, of his roles as quarterback and captain of the football team. A graduate of Wittenberg College, he made a living with his hands, using his artistic imagination and skills honed by working with his father, Logan, and Uncle Oscar to remodel, reimagine, and redesign the world around him.

London, Ohio, made an incredible mark on Steve, or Gibby, as some people are apt to call him, and he likely returned the favor. In his early days, Steve embraced worldly adventures, aiming to leave behind the small-town life of London, Ohio. He quickly regaled you with his journeys to California, the Monterey Pop Festival, Alaska, and shark-fishing in the Gulf, among other escapades with friends and family. Though he flirted with the life of an itinerant painter, Stephen ultimately chose a different path, fathering three children: Christie (Shawn) Freet, Jacob (Amy) Gibson, and Grant Gibson.

Preceded by his beloved wife, Laura (Brown) Gibson, he held her in extraordinary love and reverence. He never fully recovered from her passing. Now, he rests peacefully with his parents, Hazel (Jackson) & Don Boggs and Logan & Anna Gibson, and a host of extended family and friends who had passed before him. Specifically, his big brother Stan, who also preceded him in passing. Stephen had a profound admiration for Stan, who will no doubt welcome him with a cold Coors Light, albeit with a playful wish for a tad more quiet time away from his younger brother.

Stephen leaves behind a rich mosaic of life, survived by his children, grandchildren Ryan (Loreta) Freet, Ethan (Antoinette) Freet, Lindsay Freet, and his great-grandchildren. His life was further colored by his loving bond with Colleen Lawhorn and the “Texas Gibson” family: Angie, Jason, and Gilbert. His lifelong friendship with Karen (Hackett) Ernst, numerous friends, and extended family enriched his life. His faithful dog, Harpo, and his friends at FOE #950, the American Legion, and the Buckhorn Tavern will miss him dearly even if they can’t see him off.

If life was Stephen's masterpiece, he painted it with an authentic sense of self. He leaves behind a legacy as unique as his art. He will be remembered always not just for the adventures he lived, the stories he told, and the laughter he shared, but also for the color he brought into our lives.

A curated showing of his life’s work will be on display for family and friends who want to join in a celebration of his life with music, food, and fellowship from 6 pm to 10 pm on Friday, March 8, at the Della Selsor Building, 205 Elm St. London, Ohio 43140. Funeral Calling hours will be from 11 am to 1 pm on Saturday, March 9, at Lynch Family Funeral Home, 124 E High St., London, Ohio 43140, with service beginning at 1 pm. Interment at Plumwood Cemetery will immediately follow. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Wittenberg University Art Department in memoriam Stephen Gibson  https://giving.wittenburg.edu/project/24362/donate 

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