Robert Earl “Hoot” Gibson Sr. of Litchfield Park, Arizona passed on January 6, 2021. Bob was born April 21,1937. Bob was the oldest of three children born to Marcellious Lowe “Skeet” and Eva Lurline “Grandma Honey.” In 1955, Bob graduated from Phoenix Technical High School, where he was a 3 year varsity letterman as a first baseman. Bob also ranked #1 in his body and fender class, where he was awarded a set of body tools -some of which are still in use today. In 1956, Bob met the love of his life Beverly Kenson on a blind date. Their first date was to a drive-in movie then their 2nd date was to the races at Manzanita Speedway. Bob and Beverly were married June 15, 1956, in Phoenix, Arizona. Bob and Beverly had 3 children, Bob Jr. (1957), Cheryl (1958), who he adored and referred to as, “his little girl” and Wayne (1960). Manzanita Speedway became a second home to Bob and Beverly as they continued the Gibson family’s love for racing in the Southwest. The Gibson family’s history of racing started out with jalopies and advanced to sprint cars. Bob was gifted with a true natural talent and deep passion for building and restoring early model cars and trucks. Bob was recognized for his expertise for working on cars by the Arizona Racing Association being voted “mechanic of the year” in 1960, 1961, 1967 and 1968. In 2012, Bob was inducted into the Arizona MotorSports Hall of Fame. Bob had a lengthy career in the Fire Service. He was first hired as a firefighter with Phoenix Fire Department in 1961, over his time with the department he advanced through the ranks becoming a Deputy Chief in 1987. Throughout his career, Bob's experience and knowledge of firefighting equipment and apparatuses played a key role in building one of the finest and one of the most respected fire departments in the country. In 1996, Bob retired from Phoenix Fire. In 1999, Bob took over as Chief of Laveen Fire District, shortly after he found himself working for Phoenix Fire once again, as Assistant to the Fire Chief, after the City of Phoenix absorbed the Laveen Fire Department. In 2011, after his final retirement from the fire department, Bob, with the help of his son Wayne and grandson Larry, opened “Hoots Rod and Customs.” They specialized in paint and body fabrication, Bob leaves behind quite the legacy in the car and racing industry. Bob was a lover of classic country music and his radio was always tuned to Willie’s Roadhouse. Bob was also an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, serving in many callings including his last calling as 2nd counselor in the Sunday school presidency. Bob is survived by his loving, devoted wife of 64 years, Beverly Ann, sister Shirley (David), sister in law Mary Ann, his son Bob Jr. (Jacque), daughter Cheryl Banning (Terry Little), son Wayne (Karyn), and his 10 grandchildren, Lee Banning Jr. (Nicole), Keith (Shalimar), Shayla (Robert Van Hoffwegan), Jill (Gabe Bonis), Brad, Larry (Kristina), Shelby, Hailee, Toree Day and Emee Star. Bob is also survived by 10 great-grand kids, who kept him on his toes and several nieces and nephews. Bob is preceded in death by his parents Marcellious “Skeet” and Eva Lurline “Grandma Honey”, his brother Billy, and nephew Dallas. A public memorial service will be held on Friday, February 19, 2021 – viewing begins at 10:00 am and the service will follow at 11:00am at The Church of Jesus Crist of Latter Day Saints 19322 W Indian School Rd, Litchfield Park, Arizona.
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