Raymond W. Gibson

RAYMOND GIBSON, age 79, of Hobart, departed this life on May 11, 2016 after a long and tireless fight with cancer. Raymond (Ray) Wade Gibson of Hobart was born August 25, 1936 in Dyer County, TN to the late Raymond A. and Thelma M. Gibson (Grimes). Ray was preceded in death by his first wife Sally J. (Chaney), brothers Albert, Thomas, and grandson Colin Arthur. He will be remembered and missed by his entire family especially his wife of 39 years, Pamela J. (Arthur), sister Christine, sons Ron (Esther), Steve, Step-Sons Jack (Roger) and Jeff Arthur, and loving grand children, David (Erin), Theresa (Branda), Caitlin, Kiley and great grand children Payton, Riley, and Cooper. Ray was a very proud, caring and loving husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather to his family.

Ray came to northwest Indiana at age 18 to work in the steel mills with his brothers. While working 43 years at Inland Steel, he served his community as a volunteer fire fighter for the New Chicago Fire Dept. and as a member of the New Chicago Town Board for six years before moving to Hobart in 1976. He was very active in his church while attending First United Methodist Church of Hobart.

Ray was a life long sports fan, following his beloved Cubs and IU basketball. Ray enjoyed attending and supporting area high school football, basketball games and supporting Indiana Special Olympics sporting events.

Ray and his family request that donations be considered in his name to the Share Foundation Inc., PO Box 400, Rolling Prairie, IN 46371-0400.

Services will be Saturday, May 21, 2016 with memorial visitation from 11:00 a.m. until the time of memorial service at 2:00 p.m. at Rees Funeral Home, 600 W. Old Ridge Rd., Hobart, with Rev. Rebecca Smith officiating. Please call (219) 942-2109 or go online at www.reesfuneralhomes.com to extend condolences.