Kennard D. Gibson Sr.

Kennard D. Gibson Sr. passed away May 12th, 2022 in Bonita Springs, FL. He was born in Lock Haven, Pennsylvania, the son of Frank and Pat Gibson. He was a Naval Veteran. In 1953, he married Mary Martin who preceded him in death in 2017. He carried on the family monument business and later on the Martin Motor Co. He loved old cars, rebuilding cars and the car business. He later retired to Fort Myers, Florida where he enjoyed many years playing competitive tennis around Southwest Florida. His life was filled with planes, boats, street rods and anything with wheels! When he was 14, Mary invited him to her 12th birthday party. He showed up with a bow tie and that was pretty much it for Mary! The following year they rode their bikes down to the Gibson School of Flying at the Lock Haven Airport, the original home to Piper Aircraft. He took her flying in a J-3 Piper Cub as he had his pilot’s license before his driver’s license. They just flew to Jersey Shore and back but boy, was Mary’s mother Grace upset! That being said, Mary’s parents loved him like their own son and he loved them back every bit as much. He composed a handwritten memoir, complete with family pictures, titled “Come Fly With Me” for Mary after she developed Alzheimer’s. He hoped it would help her remember their life together. He took care of her for ten years before she passed. He was also preceded in death by his son-in-law, James P. Devlin. He is survived by his son, Kennard D. Gibson Jr. (Susan), his daughter, Grace Devlin Skov (Mike), his sister, Patricia Helt; grandchildren Ashley G. Fusarelli (Mike), Patricia Grace Devlin, and James P. Devlin II (Samantha), and his great-grandchildren, Avery and Lauren Fusarelli, and James P. Devlin III. His strength, love and sense of humor will be missed but, it’s comforting to know, he and Mary are forever flying together again! In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Alzheimers.org or to Joanne’s House at Hope Hospice 27200 Imperial Pkwy, Bonita Springs, FL 34135 To sign his guest register or to leave online condolences please visit www.ShikanyFunealHome.com Arrangements are being handled by Shikany’s Bonita Funeral Home Family Owned and Operated Since 1978.

Kennard D. Gibson Sr.

September 9, 1932 - May 12, 2022