Russell Gibbs

Russell Liberty Gibbs, 87, passed away Sunday Aug. 9, 2015, in Columbia. Russell returned home to Missouri following the passing of his late wife, JoAnn Gibbs of Georgia, who preceded him in death on April 22, 2015. Russell was born on March 17, 1928, at home in Stephens, Mo., to the late Liberty and Wilmouth Barnes Gibbs. He married JoAnn Sparkman and together they had three sons; Gary, Dennis and Andrew. Russell attended Fulton High School and served in the US Navy during the end of WWII in Guam. Following his service, Russell graduated from the University of Missouri Department of Agriculture. He farmed the family farm for several years before working as the Director of Assessment for the State of Kansas. After retiring, Russell worked on the island countries of Trinidad and Tobago as an assessor and consultant. He is survived by two sons, Gary Gibbs and Dennis and Louise Gibbs; brother, Bobby Gibbs and sister-in-law, Emily Guyer all of Columbia. Russell loved his grandchildren; Heather Grisham of Columbia, Cari Gibbs Nichols and Travis of Ashland, Billy Joe Gibbs of Salt Lake City, Utah, Drew and Jessica Gibbs of Atlanta, Georgia, Benjamin and Ashley Gibbs of McDonough, Georgia. JoAnn and Russell have three great-grandchildren: Hanna Grisham, Brock Nichols and Bo Liberty Nichols. They also leave behind a beloved care take, Lena Mahoney, of Snellville, Ga. In addition to his parents, sisters and wife of 64 years, JoAnn Gibbs, Russell is preceded in death by his beloved son, Andrew Gibbs. A Celebration of Russell's life will be held on Friday, August 14, 2015, at 3:00 p.m. at Memorial Funeral Home. Burial to follow at Memorial Park Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Central Missouri Honor Flight, 1400 Forum Blvd., Suite 1-C, Box 334, Columbia, Missouri 65203. On line tributes may be left at www.memorialfuneralhomeandcemetery.com