Ramon Gibson

Ramon L. Gibson was born Dec. 24, 1932. He passed away peacefully in his sleep on Aug. 20 at the age of 88 years.

He was the son of Jay and Mildred (Bane) Gibson. He was born at St. Anthony’s Hospital in Carroll and grew up in Scranton. He attended school and graduated from Scranton High School with the class of 1950.

He was employed at the Farmer’s Elevator in Scranton before entering the United States Air Force in August of 1952. He was trained as a radar repairman and was stationed in Michigan and Canada.

In 1956, before he was honorably discharged, he met and married Alice P. Soini on July 17, 1956, in Angola, Ind. After his discharge they lived in Scranton, and he was employed at the elevator. In 1957, they moved to Carroll, where Alice worked for Bell Telephone and Ra commuted to Ralston, where he worked at the Farmer’s Coop Lumber Yard.

In 1961 and 1963, sons Brian Leslie and Christopher Lloyd were born, and in 1964, the family moved to Jefferson, where Ramon was employed and later became part-owner of Tri-County Lumber Mart.  

Over the next 35 years, he enjoyed planning and supplying material for many hundreds of homes, businesses, churches and various agricultural buildings. He counted his customers as friends and enjoyed helping them to achieve their goals.

In 1995, Ra sold his interest in the company and became semi-retired, still working at the company part-time. In 2000, after a heart attack, he retired to his shop in the backyard, making sawdust, bending nails, refinishing furniture and building crafts.

He also enjoyed feeding birds, planting flowers and vegetables, and anything that kept him outside in nice weather.  His love was his family and he always looked forward to the “Redneck” croquet and card games of summer, and the birthday Monopoly games.  He was proud that the United States was never invaded from the North.

Ra was preceded in death by his parents.

He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Alice Gibson, of Jefferson; his sons: Brian (Barb) Gibson, of Rochester, N.Y., and Christopher (Valarie) Gibson, of Madrid; grandchildren: Stephany (Kyle) Pintal, Mitchell Gibson, Jacob (Katelynn Navigato) Gibson, Nicholas Gibson, and Derek (Kyia Meek) Gibson; other relatives; and friends.

No services are planned at this time. Cards and condolences may be sent to Alice Gibson at her home in Jefferson at 715 S. Locust St. 

Slininger-Schroeder Funeral Home in Jefferson is assisting the family.

Online condolences may be left at: sliningerschroeder.com