Richard Gibson

On Thursday 02/16/2023 at 1:30pm, SFC Richard Gibson departed this life, and Rose in Power in the Glory of the Lord. Born to James Gibson and Estelle Norfleet, he was eighth of nine children and affectionately called “baby boy” by his siblings, which all have preceded him in death. He learned to Spanish fluently at an early age, some have joked that his Spanish was better than his English.

He was a proud veteran of the United States Marine Corp and Army, and served two tours of duty in Vietnam. He also served as a platoon, drill, administration and an operations sergeant training over 1200 cadets to become sergeants. He was a nuclear weapons advisor, an advisor to the battalion commander, and was stationed in various foreign nations including Germany, Korea, and Japan. He ended his military career as an instructor at the University of Texas, Austin. He was honorably discharge in 1976, after serving 24 years combined with multiple awards, certificates, and medals of Honor.

He moved his family to Houston, TX after retiring from the Army so his wife could be closer to her family. Here he began working for the government as a Process Technician for the Texas Air Control Board. Passionate about people and serving, he continued his education at College of the Mainland. Then he graduated from University of Houston (Clear Lake) with a degree in Criminal Law Enforcement. He became a Deputy Constable for Harris County Precinct 1 where he executed mental health warrants. Several years later he transferred to the Juvenile Division, ending his career with Harris County working in the pre-trial division. He continued his service at Houston Community College as a campus police, and then became a Deputy Sheriff for Galveston County where he finally retired.

His dynamic personality was a force in whatever room he entered. Family, friends, and strangers alike were drawn to his presence. He was a great conversationalist, engaging, and knew how to make you laugh and have a good time. He expressed his love of family and country in many ways, never leaving any doubt about his values as well as his views on a wide range of topics. The discipline and patriotism he learned in the Armed Forces never left him, as friends and family will attest. His work ethic was impeccable and his attention to detail legendary. He looked at his life as a form of service, he was a provider and a protector and protected the people he loved most, his family. There is no expiration date on the love between a father and his family. We will miss him dearly and we thank God for the time we had him in our lives.Thank you for your service to our great nation- we will NEVER forget you!!

Richard is survived by his devoted wife Mary E. Gibson of 60 years, Houston, TX, proud patriarch of 3 children, Richard E. Gibson, Craig B. Gibson (Schileen), Rosslyn E. Gibson, 5 grandchildren, Felicia Colman-Kreutzer, Ethan Gibson, Keire Gibson, Treay Gibson, Kenneth Nwosu, Jeremiah Walker, 4 great-grandchildren, Leilani Gibson, Zakani Nwosu, Jayton Kreutzer, Theodore Kreutzer and a host of nieces and nephews.

A celebration of life with full military honors will be held at Forest Park East Funeral Home and Cemetery (21620 Gulf Fwy Webster, TX 77598) on March 3, 2023. It will begin promptly at 1:00pm. All are welcome.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.ForestParkEast-FHC.com for the Gibson family.