William "Toby" Gibson

William “Toby” Gibson, Sr., of Brookfield, Ohio, went home Sunday night, April 23, 2017, following a sudden illness. He was 69.

Toby was born January 8, 1948, in Sharon, Pennsylvania, a son of Robert L. and Florence A. (Jones) Gibson, Sr.

A 1966 graduate of Brookfield High School, he enlisted in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam Conflict. He was assigned to serve with the National Military Command Center while at Fort Richie for the Department of Defense. In addition, he was distinguished by his meritorious service from 1968 through 1970 and received the Joint Service Commendation Medal. He was honorably discharged from his duties with the rank of Specialist Fifth Class.

Mr. Gibson married the love of his life, the former Linda L. Baker on May 24, 1969. Together they started a family and born to this union were three children, Kelly, Toby Jr., and Karey.

He provided for his young family by taking an assembly line position with the General Motors Lordstown Plant. He was a member of the Brookfield United Methodist Church as well as the United Auto Workers Local #1112.

In his spare time, he enjoyed coaching youth sports: Carl Hoffman Basketball, Brookfield Midget Football, Brookfield Youth Baseball, Brookfield Middle School Football, Brookfield Girl's High School Softball, and summer leagues too. He was a talented artist who loved to draw. He made community signs, painted football helmets, detail scenery on a car, you name it…he could do it. He was also known for his baking and his love for fishing in Canada. However, he may be best known for his pocket candy, his unique sense of humor, and how he loved the precious time he spent with his grandkids.

His survivors include: his wife Linda; his children, Kelly Martin & her husband Mike, Brookfield, Toby Gibson, Jr. & his wife Christy, Masury, Ohio, and Karey Burdge & her husband Rob, Hopedale, Ohio; his five grandchildren, Eric Martin, Haden Gibson, Katie Gibson, Rylie Burdge, & Noah Burdge; his siblings, Jean Brashear, Robert Gibson Jr. & his wife Lorraine, Don Gibson & his wife Bonnie, all of Brookfield, and Janice Johnson & her husband Pastor Bill, Sugarcreek, Ohio; and his extended family too.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and by his brother-in-law, Bud Brashear.

A time of gathering to honor Toby will be held Thursday, April 27, 2017 from 5 to 8 PM in the home of Briceland Funeral Service, located on the historic village green at 379 State Route 7, SE, Brookfield, Ohio 44403. A Celebration of Life Service and Military Honors will be offered on Friday, April 28, 2017 at 11:00 AM at Brookfield United Methodist Church, 6951 Grove Street, Brookfield, where friends may call one hour prior to the service. He will be laid to rest in Brookfield Township Cemetery with military honors.

As suggested by his family, memorial contributions can be made to either the church (or) the Brookfield Backpack Program, both c/o the funeral home.

Expressions of sympathy may be left for his family at www.bricelandfuneralservice.com

Coordination of this tribute for Mr. Gibson will be presented by Daniel Briceland, Owner & Director (330-509-3135).