Hank Gibson

Harold Eugene "Hank" Gibson, 59, of Ripley passed away Friday, November 28, 2014 at Charleston General Hospital following a sudden illness. Hank was born July 20, 1955 at Charleston the son of the late Harold Eugene and Margaret Carney Gibson. He was a 1973 graduate of Stonewall Jackson High School. Hank was known for his many interests and accomplishments. His life is marked with service to others as he was a former member of the Ripley Volunteer Fire Department. He was known as a man that was always ready to help anyone in need. He worked many different jobs in his life including EMT and Paramedic, Police Officer with the City of Ripley, a writer and photographer for The Jackson Herald in Ripley, former city Judge for Ripley, Security and Fire Protection at Ravenswood Aluminum, Emergency Services Director for Jackson County but he considered his calling to be in funeral service. In the early days of his career he was employed with Bartlett-Burdette Funeral Home in Charleston and later moved to Ripley where he served his Funeral Service Apprenticeship with Parsons Funeral Home. Although he went on to serve in other jobs he ended his career as a Funeral Attendant with Waybright Funeral Home where he had a true calling in serving families. Away from work, Hank's passions were Photography and Aviation. He once owned a photography shop. In 1973 he earned his Private Pilot Certificate and held ratings in many different aircraft. He was a member of the Fairplain Union Church where he served as a Deacon. He is survived by his wife Lydia Haught Gibson, daughters Jennifer Gibson of Sissonville and Virginia Gibson of Lexington; step sons Adam Schindler of San Marcos, TX and Andrew Schindler of Ravenswood; step daughter Jenna Schindler of Ravenswood; sisters Rejohna Carter of Melborne, FL and Jill Canter and her husband Bill of Ripley. He was always known as "Grumpy" to his grandchildren Robert, Israel, Ava and Marie. Funeral service will be 1 pm Wednesday, December 3, 2014 at the Waybright Funeral Home, Ripley with Pastor Todd King officiating. Burial will be in the Pine Hill Cemetery, Ripley. Friends may call from 2 pm until 8 pm Tuesday at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers the family suggest donations in memory of Hank be made to the Fairplain Union Church for their support of the Calvary United Methodist Church Food Pantry. Memories and condolences may be made to the family by visiting www.waybrightfuneralhome.com Service: Wednesday, December 3, 2014 1:00 pm Waybright Funeral Home Visitation: Tuesday, December 2, 2014 2pm to 8pm Waybright Funeral Home