Kyle D. Gibson (Lebanon)'s Obituary
Kyle Delaine Gibson was born April 18, 1936, at home in Richland, Missouri, the son of Mary Ellen (Kays) Gibson and Harry Enoch Gibson. He departed this life Saturday, May 9, 2026 at the age of ninety years and twenty-one days.
Kyle spent his early years on the farm in Richland surrounded by a large extended family. His father moved the family to Lebanon, Missouri when Kyle was young. Before long, Kyle was working at the Star Theater, cleaning up between movie showings, and progressed to projectionist. After graduation at Lebanon High School, Kyle went on to attend Drury College and spent summers with the United States Forestry Service in Idaho until joining the United States Army. He served in Germany as a radio operator and traveled all over Europe. Upon returning home, he courted and married Carol Sue Elmore on May 10, 1958. Together they experienced enduring love and laughter while creating a life together in Lebanon.
Kyle is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Carol; his parents; and his sister, Forestine Veneman.
He is survived by two daughters, Kyra Crabtree and her husband Richard of Lebanon, Missouri and Teresa Esparza of Springfield, Missouri; three grandchildren, Nick Crabtree and his wife Cambria, Natalie Oursbourn and her husband Chris and Carolyn Esparza; four great-grandchildren, Beckham Crabtree, Ansley Oursbourn, Archer Crabtree and Ellie Oursbourn; and many other family members and friends.
Kyle began his working career early in life and after marriage, worked for Foremost Dairy. He worked in industry and insurance before beginning work at United Savings and Loan. He retired from there as vice-president.
Kyle was an active church member of First United Methodist Church where he and Carol were youth leaders for many years. He and Carol were then longtime members of Phillipsburg Christian Church. He loved God and his family and he relied on his Heavenly Father in these later months as his health declined.
Kyle enjoyed spending time with family, whether at his lake home, going fishing or water sports, or time spent hunting on the farm. He enjoyed backyard gardening and always had a project going. He and Carol loved to travel and went on many family vacations together, building fond memories. They later toured many states while pulling their camper. After Carol’s death, Kyle enjoyed his new home at Northridge Place where he found joy in the many activities they provided. He was either busy with friends and fun or sitting outside with his group of friends, just visiting and enjoying nature.
Kyle enjoyed people, all kinds of people, and never met a stranger. He liked to sip a cup of coffee and visit with whomever was nearby. He found joy in watching the birds, talking about past trips and watching his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren grow and spread their wings. His greatest joys were his family and faith. We celebrate his life and know the memories he made with family, friends and co-workers will be cherished and shared for years to come.
A memorial service will be held Friday, June 5 at 10:30 a.m. at Holman-Howe Funeral Home. Visitation will be Friday, June 5 from 9 - 10:30 a.m. at the funeral home. A memorial to Claws and Paws or the Show-Me Christian Youth Home has been established and donations may be left at the funeral home.
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