Joseph Gibson

Joseph David Gibson of Jefferson City, Missouri, formerly of Potosi, passed away on April 8, 2016, at the St. Mary’s Hospital having reached the age of eighty six years, seven months, and twenty four days. He was born on August 15, 1929, in Potosi, Missouri, a son to the late Joseph Bradford Gibson and the late Rebecca Buford (Forister) Gibson.

Joe graduated from high school in 1947. He worked for the Potosi School District and enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1950. In 1954 went to work for Brown Shoe Company. He worked as Office Manager, Assistant Superintendent and Superintendent in several shoe factories before finishing his time with Brown Shoe in St. Louis in 1974.

Joe began the next part of his career working for the United States Civil Service. He was Executive Housekeeper at the General Leonard Wood Army Hospital at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. Later, he worked at the United States Army Reserve Personnel Center in St. Louis. Upon Retirement, he moved to the Bradenton, Florida area for several years and then returned to Missouri.

In addition to Joe's other work, he always enjoyed music. In many of the places he lived, he served as a Minister of Music in the Baptist churches and worked with organizing community singing groups.

Joe was united in marriage to Shurley (Grigsby) Gibson on May 22, 1952. After Shurley’s passing, Joseph later married Agnes (Hackley) Essmyer – Gibson on January 9, 1982.

Joe is survived by his two sons: Bruce B. Gibson and wife Lisa of Jefferson City, Missouri, and Jon A. Gibson of Orlando, Florida; two step-sons: Daniel K. Essmyer of Ballwin, Missouri, and Dr. Dale W. Essmyer and wife Belinda of Milan, Missouri; one step-daughter: Marcia Williams of Rockhill, Missouri; two granddaughters: Heather Christie and husband Calvin, and Hillary Gibson; and step-grandchildren: Caitlin Essmyer, Michael Essmyer, and Candace Williams.

In addition to his parents, Joe was preceded in death by his first wife and mother of his children: Shurley Gibson; second wife: Agnes Essmyer-Gibson; son: Brian Gibson; step-son: Douglas Essmyer; son-in-law: Curtis Williams; sisters Marie Reed, Idabelle Lore, Vernell Skaggs and Frances Osborne; brothers Omar Litton and Lionell Gibson.

Visitation for Joseph was held on Saturday, April 16, 2016 at the DeClue Funeral Home from 10:30 AM until 1:00 PM.Funeral services were conducted Saturday at 1:00 PM, held in the DeClue Memorial Chapel, with Rev. H. Wayne Isgriggs officiating.

Interment and final prayers was held at the Redbud Memorial Gardens Cemetery, where Joseph will receive full military honors presented by the United States Air Force and the Potosi VFW Post 6996. All funeral arrangements have been cared for by the DeClue Funeral Home.