Alva Sanford Gibbs

Al was born a go-getter and never took "No" for an answer. He always knew there was more

for his life and he did not hesitate to go into the world and find it. He was a hard worker and a

devoted husband, wonderful father and Grandfather. He was born and grew up in the Ashland

and Catlettsburg, Boyd County area of Kentucky. As he would tell you, it was Daniel Boone's

stomping grounds. He joined the Air Force at 17 and married his high school sweetheart,

Katherine Suiter Gibbs, all in the same year Of 1954. They had three daughters and had 67

years of marriage together. Al was a Vietnam Veteran and served the Air Force active duty for

20 years, retired as a Master Sergeant, and was civil service for 20 years, for a total Of 40 years

of service all with the Air Force. Al was a talented and skillful artist and used his talent in the

Air Force and in his personal life. He leaves behind several works of art, his favorite the

Peralada Castle in Catalonia, Spain.

Al leaves behind his daughters, Debra Jordan and son-in-law Steve; Julie Gibbs; and Lucy

Picciolo and son-in-law David; Four Grandchildren, Diane Austin, Jason Jordan, Jennifer Culley

and Cathy Picciolo; Seven Great Grandchildren, Connor, Jordan, James, Cole, Korlyn, Jacob, and

Justin; And several nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his wife Katherine, and all

his immediate family members.

Al was born in Ashland, KY to E. Bert Gibbs and Betty Lucille McFarland, but he would want you

to know his real birth was when he accepted Christ as his Lord and Savior and became a Born

Again Christian. His favorite scripture that he recited each night at bedtime was the 23rd Psalm

and The Lord's prayer.