Robert L. Gipson

Robert Lawrence Gipson 1923 -2012 Bob Gipson, at 88 years, passed away peacefully during the night on January 18, 2012 in Kaweah Delta Hospital Visalia, CA. He was born in CA on November 18, 1923, to Arthur E. Gipson & Vivian McNutt. He spent most of his younger years in Hermosa and Redondo Beach and some of his youth in Lemoore working on farms. He joined the army in 1943 and served in the Philippines until he was injured and discharged in 1945. He came back to California and the beach, where he met Virginia Tomaszewski and they married and eventually settled in the South Bay. He'd worked as a truck driver, the manager of Blue Daisy Cement Co. in Gardena, CA and eventually was a sales rep for a Tool Supply Co. He acquired his Real-estate License before moving to Visalia in the late 70's, as he planned to retire there. He was 'the glove man' at the swap meet in Visalia on Sundays for many years. Bob was happiest fishing, hunting and gambling at a casino or horseraces. He played basket ball and slo-pitch, and coached popwarner football. He was a member of St. James Catholic Church and Married Couples Club in Redondo Beach. He was the life of the party, always a kind word and a smile. The last several years he enjoyed the company of his dearest friend, Sue Hamilton, They bowled together and went to the casino in Lemoore for fun or just watched T.V. He is loved and will be missed. Bob was preceded in death by his loving wife Virginia in 1977. He is survived by his sons Larry Gipson & his wife Dana of Escondido, Glenn Gipson of Visalia, daughter Charla Mandzak & her husband Vinnie of Redondo Beach, and his Grandchildren: Jonathan, Jamie, Heather, Garth, Michael, Matthew, Zachary and great grand children: Trinity, James Jr., Paige, Joshua, Kimu Jr., Karson, Klaire & Sienna. A service is planned for Friday January 27, 2012 at the Visalia Cemetery Chapel, noon.

Arrangements under the direction of Miller Memorial Chapel, Visalia, CA.