Hubert Gibson

GIBSON, Hubert C. "Hoot" passed away at age 95 on June 11, 2026. Born August 27, 1930, in Grand Rapids to Howard J. and Mary B. (Wachter) Gibson.

Hoot was raised on farms in Lake Odessa and Barryville, Michigan, and graduated from Hastings High School. While playing in the school band, he noticed a dark-haired girl named Evelyn Benton They began dating. Hoot graduated in 1949 and entered the U.S. Navy as an Engineman, 3rd Class Petty Officer, and served with distinction for four years aboard the destroyer USS Maddox (DD-731) during the Korean War. His Korean Service ribbon displays five battle stars. In 2023, he was awarded the Ambassador for Peace Medal by the Consulate of the Republic of Korea for his service.

After Evelyn graduated, she and Hoot married on July 27, 1952, in Hastings at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church and moved to Long Beach, California. Hoot was honorably discharged in 1953. They soon moved to Portage, where Hoot worked for the Upjohn Company, retiring after 35 years, interrupted for four years working for Patten Monument Company.

For many years, Hoot, Evelyn and the kids enjoyed camping and traveling with their travel trailer, visiting most of the 50 states. In later years, Hoot and Evelyn took up Western Swing Square Dancing, traveling extensively and making many friends.

Hoot was proceeded in death by his parents and his siblings: Lenard, Raymond, Helen, John, Lawrence and his twin brother, Henry.

Surviving are Evelyn, his love of 74 years, and his children: Mark (Nancy) Gibson of Allegan, Mellisa (Ken) Rosewarne of Portage, and Gary (Beth) Gibson of Cooper Twp. Grandchildren: Samuel, Charles, Dustin (Macayla Wright) Gibson; Ashley (Todd) Gauthier, Lacey (Josh) Stonerock and Autumn (Austin) Bordon; four great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. Also, a brother-in-law Maurice (Kathy) Benton of Portage and a sister-in-law, Vivian Case of Middleville.

Hoot was a member of Schoolcraft American Legion Post No. 475, Tin Can Sailors (National Association of Destroyer Veterans), USS Maddox Association and Gen. Benjamin Pritchard Camp No. 20, Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War.

The family would like to thank the staff at The Vineyard, especially Monica, Helen and Lucy, for their exceptional care for both Hoot and Evelyn.

Visitation will be held on Monday, June 22 at Langeland Family Funeral Home, 3926 South 9th Street, Kalamazoo, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., with Rosary beginning at 7:30 p.m. The Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, June 23, 11:00 a.m. at St. Catherine of Sienna Catholic Church, with Fr. Mark Vyverman presiding. The family will greet visitors for an hour prior to the Mass. A luncheon will immediately follow the Mass. Interment with military honors will be in Mt. Ever-Rest Memorial Park, South on South Westnedge Avenue at 2:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Hoot's memory may be made to Michigan's Grand Army of the Republic Memorial Hall & Museum, 224 South Main Street, Eaton Rapids, Michigan, 48827.