Walter Gibson

Walter Stanley “Hoolie” Gibson, formerly of Masury, Ohio, who was born on October 1, 1923 the youngest of three children to Hamer and Margaret (Robinson) Gibson, died on Friday, September 19, 2014, in the home of his daughter in San Diego, California, just two weeks shy of his 91st birthday.

Hoolie grew up in Farrell, Pennsylvania, had attended Farrell Schools, and was drafted into the Army in 1944. Self was forgotten the day Walter left his home to fight for our freedom and defend our flag. He achieved the rank of SGT during his service and was deployed to France as well as Okinawa, Japan. His decorations and citations include: WWII Medal Victory Medal, European African Middle Eastern Theater Medal, Asiatic Pacific Theater Ribbon, Army Occupation Medal (Japan), and a Good Conduct Medal. He was honorable discharged in 1946.

Shortly after his return to home, he married Helen Thomas on April 17, 1948. This union resulted in the birth of nine children.

To support his family, Walter found employment at Sharon Steel. He retired in 1983, just four months short of 40 years of service. He started as a clerk, which allowed him to utilize the GI benefit of schooling at New Castle School of Trades, finishing at #8 Pickle Line of which four years he held the title of Foreman, a job that he refused to accept as a permanent position because it hindered his ability to pursue his passion.

His hearts passion, his “true hobby”, was his ability and gift to plaster. He went on to plaster hundreds of new homes and commercial buildings in the valley. Following his retirement from Sharon Steel, he worked for Hudson Construction to continue his hobby of plastering. Just some of the properties he finished include: Mercer County Court House, Comfort Inn, Penn State Shenango Campus, Sharpsville Municipal Building, Fairway Inn, Old Library in New Castle, and Clarion University.

In his spare time, Hoolie played softball with various teams as a southpaw pitcher.

In 1998, he moved to San Diego after visiting as he loved the weather. He continued his ”hobby”, and started to attend Mesa College studying computers, Black History, Bible Studies, where he received honors for his achievements. He also loved bowling in five different leagues and his gym membership.

Left to cherish him are his daughters, Linda Rae & her husband Jerry Chapman, Brookfield, OH, Phyllis Jean “Cookie” & her husband Ronald White, San Diego, Jacqueline Denise & her husband Frank Rendon, Chula Vista, CA, Stacey Ann & her husband Glen Campbell, Masury, OH, and Tamera Lee & her husband the Rev. Kenneth Fletcher, Corsicana, TX; his sons, Craig Roy Gibson, Napa, CA, Joseph Stephen Gibson, San Diego, and Vincent Maurice Gibson & his wife Lisa, Sharon, PA; his nephews, Donald Elliott Gibson & his wife Marie, Chesapeake, VA, and Ronald Gibson & his wife Regina, Las Vegas, NV; his 22 grandchildren; his 20 great-grandchildren; and his dear friends.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife Helen, who passed April 27, 1985; by his son, Carl Stanley Gibson; by his sister, Louise Gibson; and by his brother, William Gibson.

A time of gathering to honor Walter will be held Saturday, September 27, 2014, with calling hours from 11- 1 PM, in his church, Ruth A.M.E. Zion Church, 95 Connelly Blvd., Sharon, Pennsylvania. His celebration continues at 1 PM by the Rev. Geraldine Williams, Pastor and his son-in-law, the Rev. Kenneth Fletcher, officiating. His service will conclude at church with Military Honors by the New Murray Bell VFW Post #7597, Farrell, and he will be laid to rest next to his bride in Brookfield Township Cemetery privately.

Coordination of this tribute for Walter will be conducted by Daniel Briceland, Owner & Director of Briceland Funeral Service, LLC, 379 State Route 7, SE, Brookfield, Ohio 44403. (330-509-3135)