Vernon Lee Gibson

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Vernon Lee Gibson of Westerville, Ohio on March 14, 2025, at the age of 88. Born to the late Anderson and Corrine Gibson on March 31, 1936, in Columbus, Ohio, Vern was a beloved husband, father, papa, and entrepreneur.

Vern graduated from East High School and attended Ohio State University. He served in the U.S. Navy from 1955-1957.

Vern was married to Michelle McCaskey in 1975, celebrating nearly 50 years of marriage. In addition to his wife, he is survived by his brother, Ronald Gibson of Columbus, OH; sons, Stephen (Quiency) Gibson of Charlotte, NC, Scott Gibson of New York, NY, Jeremy (Amanda) Gibson of Westerville, OH, and Jason (Abigail) Gibson of Westerville, OH; and his grandchildren, Avery, Myles, Taylor and Andrew Gibson.

In 1977, Vern founded Dove Building Services, a commercial cleaning and maintenance company dedicated to supporting minority and underprivileged communities in Columbus. Dove was named Minority Company of the Year in 1984 by the Columbus Regional Minority Supplier Development Council. In 1993, Vern was named Ohio Small Business Person of the Year by the Columbus Area Chamber of Commerce, Business First, and the U.S. Small Business Administration, following his earlier recognition as a finalist in 1992. He received the Outstanding Achievement Award from the South Linden Business Administration in 1994. Additionally, in 2015, his company was named one of the Top Minority-Owned Businesses by Columbus Business First.

Vern was deeply committed to his community and served on several boards, including the Hannah Neil Center for Children, where he also served on the Individual Gifts Committee. He was a member of the Big Brothers/Big Sisters Association, the NAACP, and was a dedicated supporter of the United Negro College Fund.

A passionate Cleveland sports fan and avid golfer at the Lakes Golf and Country Club, Vern found joy both on and off the course. In his retirement years, time was spent relaxing in Southwest Florida, with family and good friends. Vern also spent countless hours perfecting the family’s favorite rib recipe and cherished time with his grandchildren.

Vern's philosophy was simple yet powerful: "Take the resources you've been given, add hard work and effort, and make your goals reality."

His family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the hospice nurses for their care and support.

A visitation will be held at Schoedinger Worthington, 6699 N. High Street, Worthington, Ohio, on Friday, March 21st, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM. A funeral service will be held at Schoedinger Worthington at 12:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations in Vernon's memory to Capital City Hospice at www.capitalcityhospice.com.