Richard Ely Gibson Sr.

Richard E. Gibson Sr., age 91, of Independence, Missouri, passed away peacefully on Saturday, September 5, 2026, surrounded by his loving family.

Born on December 18, 1934, in Kansas City, Missouri, Richard was the beloved son of the late Eula Ross and Bob Gibson. He grew up in Kansas City and graduated from Manuel High School. Demonstrating a lifelong dedication to service, Richard proudly served in the United States Army from 1952 to 1955 during the Korean War. His family remains profoundly proud of and thankful for his service to his country.

Professionally, Richard dedicated 32 years of his life to working as a CDL professional truck driver at Roadway Express Inc. before his retirement. After moving to Arizona, he continued his path of civic duty, working as a Transport Deputy with the Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office from 1995 to 2001. He also served his community as an elected board member of the Chino Valley Fire District during those same years, from 1996 to 2001. His self-described "dream job," even after retirement, was serving the Yavapai County Superior Court Criminal Division as a Bailiff from 2003 to 2005, where he was highly respected by colleagues, the Honorable Judge, and peers alike.

Outside of his professional career, Richard was a passionate craftsman who could build and create virtually anything. Generous to a fault, everyone who truly knew Richard knew he would do anything for his family and friends, spending countless hours building decks, assisting with home projects, and lending a hand wherever needed. He was honest, hardworking, and deeply steadfast in his Catholic faith. Richard was an active member of both St. Joseph the Worker Catholic Church in Independence, Missouri, and St. Ann’s Catholic Church in Chandler, Arizona, serving faithfully as a Eucharistic Minister for both parishes. He was also a proud 4th Degree Knight in the Knights of Columbus.

He will be long remembered for his outstanding generosity, his dry, sarcastic sense of humor, and his great capacity to love those who loved him in return. Richard cherished family-centered moments: coaching his oldest son Steve’s Little League baseball team, playing tennis with his boys, and eventually taking up golf. A particularly beloved tradition was his annual Christmas outing with his daughter, where they would spend the day shopping and sharing breakfast or dinner together. Above all, Richard was an extraordinary example to his children and grandchildren, modeling strong Christian values, a robust work ethic, fairness, honesty, and a constant, loving desire for them to always strive to do better and be better.

Richard’s greatest pride and joy was his beloved wife and family. He married Nancy J. (Goertz) Gibson on May 27, 1956. Together, they were devoted soulmates for 68 years until her passing in 2024—a profound bond that continues to transcend all earthly boundaries. Together, they moved from Independence to Chino Valley, Arizona, and eventually back home to Independence in 2005, where they resided together until their passings. Together, they lovingly raised four children.

Family and Legacy

Richard was preceded in death by his mother and father; his beloved wife, Nancy; his son, Rick Gibson Jr.; his brothers, J.D., Gene, and Charles; his sister, Jeanine; and his great-granddaughter, Lauren.

He is survived by his sister, Sandra Hukarevic and husband Lottie of Milwaukee, Wisconsin; his daughter, Roxanna Starr and husband Bub; and his sons, James "Chris" Gibson and wife Robin, and Stephen "Steve" Gibson and wife Sherrie, all of Independence, Missouri.

He is also survived by his beloved grandchildren: granddaughters Stacey Starr of Gladstone, Missouri; Nicole Hudson (Jeremy), Brooke Wily (Chris), and Lacy Gibson, all of Independence, Missouri; Kristen Wilde (Blane) of Excelsior Springs, Missouri, Tabitha Dresher of Lexington, MO; and grandsons Garett Gibson of Independence, Justin Starr (Ashley) of Grain Valley, Missouri, DJ Rader of Independence, MO.

His legacy continues through his great-grandchildren: great-granddaughters Nicollette Lockard, Faith Lockard, and Alexis Wiley, all of Independence; Alyvia Starr of Grain Valley, Missouri; and great-grandsons Trae Starr of Gladstone, Missouri; Nicholas Wiley of Independence; Sage Wilde of Excelsior Springs, Missouri; Maclan Starr of Grain Valley, Missouri; Jayden and Jakobe Farrow of Independence; and Jericho Hudson of Independence. Richard also leaves behind several precious great-great-grandchildren, as well as many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Service and Memorial Information

Visitation will be held at Floral Hills Funeral Home and Cemetery, 7000 Blue Ridge Blvd. Kansas City, MO 64133 on September 14, 2026, from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm, a Funeral Service at 2:00 pm followed by a Graveside Service.