Robert
M.
Gibson, Jr.
Obituary
Robert M. Gibson, Jr., 66, of Fort Wayne, passed away on January 17, 2021, at home surrounded by family. Bob was born June 16, 1954, in Fort Wayne, a son of the late Robert and Margaret Gibson. Bob is survived by his wife of 28 years, Tina; sons, David (Angie) Gibson, Jon Paul Gibson, James (Brittany) Gibson; daughters, Vanessa (Julian Robbins) Gibson, Olivia Gibson; grandsons, Dylen Gibson, Blake Gibson; granddaughter, Jordan Galbreath; great-grandson, Jaxtin Meier; sister, Mary Gibson; nephew, Ryan Annis. Bob was also preceded in death by his brother, Paige M. Gibson.
He was a graduate from North Side High School (1973), a member of Pathway Community Church, and spent the last decade as a Restaurant Manager at IHOP. He spent his career in the restaurant industry, befriending and serving many with his hospitality and leadership. Bob was a beloved husband, father, son, brother, friend, boss, and member of his community. Bob loved history, learning, and reading, often taking his family on drives around Fort Wayne, showing and sharing the history of every house. In these car rides, he would be listening and singing the classics: Steely Dan; Crosby, Stills & Nash; The Beatles; Fleetwood Mac, and more. All his life, he loved going to concerts, seeing his favorite musicians perform live, and living in the moment.
Bob's love for family was apparent in every thought and decision he made. As a father, he was devoted to his children, always supporting, helping, coaching, and riding with them on merry-go-rounds. As a husband, he was loyal, kind, thoughtful, and worshipping. Bob loved to cook and be in the kitchen, whether it was a grand Thanksgiving meal or a simple sandwich, he put love and attention into everything he did and made.
Bob will also be remembered for his love of travel and his curiosity for the world's cultures and histories. Among some of his favorite places to visit was Ocean City, Maryland; St. Petersburg, Florida; Rome, Italy; Cabo San Lucas and Cancun, Mexico; Punta Cana, Dominican Republic; and Aruba. His adventurous soul treasured classic cowboy movies, the fantasy world of Lord of the Rings, Saturday morning nature documentaries, and jumping over waves in the ocean.
Bob was a man of passion and vivacity. He had the warmest, purest energy and his presence brightened every room. He never failed to shower those around him with love, humor, and eternal wisdom as he always had a story to tell.
Funeral Service will be private. Visitation will be held January 22, 2021 from 4-8 pm, at Divine Mercy Funeral Home, 3500 Lave Ave., Fort Wayne. Burial will be in Catholic Cemetery at a later date. Memorial contribution may be made to Cancer Services of NE Indiana.
Services
Condolences
When uploading images, please allow the images to fully transfer before submitting form. Image thumbnails will appear below the comment box.
Comment required for image uploads.
20 total images or 20Mb max.
We are so sorry for your loss. Our prayers are with you
Tanja Chris Cody and Owen Lincoln
From the Mangan family
Peace be with you all
Daniel Mangan
Bob was a true friend. He made one think about the true meaning of brave . Brave to me means trudging on through thick and thin. That’s what Bob did. It was my pleasure traveling to Rome, Italy, with him and his family : Tina, Vanessa, Olivia, mother-in-law Pat, and my daughter Theresa and her family. During our excursions Bob never complained about his ongoing illness. He was soft-spoken, kind, knowledgeable, and comedic at times. Bob was a people person, never yearning for the spotlight. Having Bob with us was like having our own tour guide. When it came to the Italian cuisine, he always knew what was best to order, and how it was prepared. But he never complained if the rest of us wanted a different menu item. Bob never argued, he simply said “Let’s eat.” Bob was an understanding man, which was evident when he interacted with his family. Knowing Bob was a true pleasure. May he rest in peace. He will be missed.
Dearest Tina and Family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your hour of grief. May the lord wrap you in his love and comfort you.
Dave, Angie and Family –
We wish we had the right words, just know we care.
I probably haven’t seen Bob in almost 50 years, but you never forget the good ones. I remember Bob always had a big smile on his face whenever we’d run into each other on the street or at Hall’s east state in the early 70’s.
Safe travels Bob, we’ll catch up to you on the other side.
Kevin L Bazur, New York City
With deepest sympathy
We will never forget Bob, someone who’s opinion was always sought and valued greatly. The years of singing together in the kitchen at IHOP I think about every day, and apply the same attitude to everything I do. Bob changed me as a person for the better, and I will be forever grateful. Caryn felt the same working with Bob and Applebee’s before IHOP for many years, with all of the respect, professionalism, and high spirits that everyone else who knew him also knew. We both love Bob dearly, and express our deepest condolences to Tina and his family.
Curtis and Caryn Nash
Dear Tina-
Remember how Bob use to sit in that back booth at Charky’s and chat with everyone and maybe flirt a bit with you? Gosh, we were all so young back then.
I’m happy you two were able to have a lovely life together and send my sympathy to you, the kids and the rest of his family for his loss. Hugs and love to you all; prayers for peace…
With our deepest sympathies. Bob will be greatly missed. We love you all very much.
Please know that we are here for you.