Paul Eugene Gibbons

Paul Eugene Gibbons passed into eternity suddenly and unexpectedly, Thursday afternoon, April 13, 2017. He was 84. For several years, it had been Mr. Gibbons habit and joy to join friends for lunch at Wendys, on Maple Avenue in Zanesville. There, he consoled, encouraged, and ministered to friends, many of whom did the same for him. He was well-known and liked by both staff and regulars there. So much more, then, is the blessing that he found himself short of breath, there among his compadres, and passed into unconsciousness, to be pronounced dead only a few minutes later at Genesis Hospital. Generations of Grover Cleveland and Hancock Junior High math students remember Mr. G. as an optimist with a passion for teaching young people. His compassionate, methodical approach affected their lives well beyond the classroom. His tenure in the Zanesville City Schools was from 1963 through 1991. In retirement, he continued to teach at the college level, at Muskingum Area Technical College. First as a Boy Scout, and later as an adult leader, Paul was deeply involved in Boy Scouting. He served in many roles, both as a volunteer and as a staff member. He often spoke of experiences at Philmont Scout Ranch (New Mexico) and acting as a host at the National Boy Scout Jamboree. He delighted in watching boys grow in confidence and maturity through Scouting, and had the privilege of seeing a son and a grandson earn the rank of Eagle Scout. The focus on mentoring young people extended to his Spiritual life as well. Paul, along with his wife Sarah (deceased), served as youth advisors at Market Street Baptist Church, where the family were members. The couple worked to engage local teens with American Baptist Youth across the state, encouraging them to attend conventions and conferences. A lover of choral music, Paul sang for several years in the Market Street Baptist chancel choir. And for the past two decades, he sang in the annual Messiah choir, along with other music enthusiasts from around the region. Paul was a veteran of the United States Army, A graduate of Martins Ferry High School (51) and West Liberty University (BS-59) and West Virginia University (M. Ed.-72), a member of Market Street Baptist Church, and a Silver Beaver honoree with the Boy Scouts of America. He will be missed by many, none more than his five children, their significant others, two grandchildren, and a great granddaughter. These include Paul Eugene Gene Gibbons, Jr. and Glenna Steil Gibbons, Sarah Jane Gibbons, James Gibbons and Anne Peck Gibbons, John Gibbons, Dr. Stephen Goldfinger, Judy Gibbons Chan, Tony Chan, Mark Gibbons, Elizabeth Gibbons-Camp, Michael Gibbons-Camp, and Abigail Gibbons-Camp. He is proceeded into Glory by his wife of 58 years, Sarah Davies Gibbons. Friends and family may call from 2:00 - 4:00 P.M. and 6:00 8:00 P.M. on Monday, April 17, 2017 at the BOLIN-DIERKES FUNERAL HOME, 1271 BLUE AVENUE, ZANESVILLE and one hour prior to the funeral service to be held at 11:00 A.M. on Tuesday, April 18, 2017 at Market Street Baptist Church, 140 North Sixth Street, Zanesville. He will be laid to rest at Zanesville Memorial Park Cemetery, Zanesville. To send a note of condolence, or to order flowers or comfort food: visit www.bolin-dierkesfuneralhome.com , follow us on Facebook, or call our professional staff at (740)452-4551. Dignified and professional services entrusted to BOLIN-DIERKES FUNERAL HOME.

Visitation

Monday, April 17, 2017 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Bolin-Dierkes Funeral Home
1271 Blue Avenue Zanesville 43701, United States

Visitation

Monday, April 17, 2017 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Bolin-Dierkes Funeral Home
1271 Blue Avenue Zanesville 43701, United States

Funeral Service

Tuesday, April 18, 2017 11:00 AM
Market Street Baptist Church
140 North Sixth Street Zanesville 43701, United States