Kenneth Merle Gibbs, 74, of Kansas City, MO., entered into
eternal rest Wednesday, May 23, 2012 at Kansas City Hospice House. Born May 5,
1938 in St. Joseph, MO., he was the third of five children born to the late
Merle Sylvester Gibbs and Hazel Pauline (Hill) Gibbs. He was stationed near
Cambridge, England while serving in the USAF from 1956-1962. His passion for
flight was developed during this period and in 1973 he earned his amateur pilot’s
license. Throughout his life he cultivated a love of martial arts, sport cars,
and spending time with his daughters and three grandchildren. He will be deeply
missed by his family, including his ex-wife and longtime dear friend, Annette
Penko; children, Alicia Kelley
(Dan) and Brie Bitner (Bob); grandchildren, Ezekiel, Ava, and Rourick; siblings,
Beverly Dunn; Ed Gibbs, Fred Gibbs (Irene) and many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. Family and friends are invited to a Celebration
of Ken’s Life on Sunday, July 8, 2012 from 2-4PM at the home of Alicia and Dan Kelley,
Kansas City, MO. Inurnment and Military
Honors will take place on Monday, July 9, 2012 at 2:30PM at the Leavenworth National
Cemetery, Leavenworth, KS. Those who so desire may make memorial contributions
to Kansas City Hospice House (www.kansascityhospice.org).
The family wishes to
express their deepest gratitude to Kansas City Hospice House for the compassion
and outstanding care and compassion provided to Ken and to the family during
the last weeks of his life.
“The pain passes, but
the beauty remains” – Renoir
