William E. Gibson II

On November 6th 2023 William Eugene Gibson II (Bill) was called home after a tough fought battle.  With very heavy hearts we find comfort knowing he was reunited with his parents, his best girls Karen, Jenny Katie and so many others that welcomed him home. 

Bill was born in Champaign County on May 9th 1950 to Gene and Nora Lee Gibson.  He is survived by the absolute love of his life Dee and his beloved Children Mark (Laura) and Mandi (Donald Mapp) and Krista Beatty. His very treasured grandchildren Hannah Marie, Madison (Austyn Collier), Bentley, Wade, Dominick, Abby (Tanner) Ava, Will, Joe, Justin, Beth and Rhett. His brother Mike, niece Melanie and family, nephews Michael and Rick and their families. He was preceded in death by two sisters and his parents, a bonus daughter and four grandchildren. Dee and Bill shared a love and marriage that lasted 54 years.

How do we put words around the colorful character that Bill was and the life he lived.  He always had a joke and smile for everyone. He reminded us all to not sweat the small stuff and it really is all small stuff.  His greatest joy in life was his family. If you ever found yourself in a conversation with him you definitely know this and heard more than you planned on.  He was as proud of us as we were of him. 

Bill’s lifelong love language was service. He was there for anyone who needed anything.  He was a dedicated Scout Leader for many years.  He truly valued being able to invest in the youth and make the world better.  One of his proudest projects was helping his son obtain his Eagle Scout by building walkways at Cedar bog in the dead of winter. 

He loved playing cards, fishing, bowling, tractor pulls, talking smack and his Ohio State Buckeyes.  He had a cherished lifelong career at Navistar where he managed building the plant in Mexico.  He could be found at many bowling alleys across the county bowling and managing tournaments.  He loved to go to weekly breakfast with Bill and Carl.  He loved taking money, beer and double stuffs from Nolan, Hess, McIntosh, Ferst and Freyhof. He loved all of his friends deeply and had lifelong friendships that have stood the test of time.  He also volunteered for many years with the Special Olympics, played bartender at his parents and grandparents bars and was the vice president of his class for all reunions. 

Bill passed wearing a t shirt that read my favorite people call me Papaw. He was a favorite of ours, he lived a life that is a testament that we will all carry on of do all the things, love freely, and most of all show up.  Bill will be missed more than words can express but we will live on remembering all he instilled in each of us. 

A celebration of life will be held at Walter and Lewis Funeral Home on Saturday Nov. 11^th, 2023. The family will receive friends from 4:00pm until 5:30pm at which time a service will begin.  The family will be hosting a final drink and meal with his buckeyes playing to send Bill home at his request at the Moose Lodge 532 Mosgrove Street, Urbana Ohio 43078 immediately after.  Memorial Contributions can be made in Bill’s memory to the Champaign County Board of Developmental Disabilities C/O Special Olympics. Condolences may be expressed to the family by visiting www.walterfunerals.com