Robert Edward Gibbs of Prairie Village, KS, peacefully passed away surrounded by his family on August 17, 2025 at the age of 85 years. Bob brought joy to everyone he knew and will be remembered for his vibrant spirit and kind heart.
Bob was born on October 14, 1939 in Crossett, Arkansas to Paul Henry Gibbs and Olivia Watkins Gibbs. He often shared many fond memories of growing up with his sisters in a small town. He graduated from the University of Arkansas with a degree in electrical engineering in 1961 before beginning his telecommunications career in Kansas City at AT&T, and then Sprint. Bob retired in 2007 with over 45 years of service. Bob also served in the Army National Guard and was honorably discharged in 1968.
Bob met his wife, Carole in 1969 when they both worked at AT&T, and was a devoted and loving husband for 55 years. He loved his family dearly, and cherished being a father to his only child, Joseph Paul Gibbs, and grandfather to Olivia Rylan and Camden Charles Gibbs. He is affectionately referred to as Grandpa Dude.
True to his small-town Arkansas upbringing, Bob enjoyed camping and was an avid hunter and fisherman.
Bob was an honorable man and lived an authentic faith. His Christian values informed every aspect of his life and molded him into the person he was. One of his favorite Bible verses was Mathew 22: 37-38. Jesus Replied: ""Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself. Bob was a member of Hope Community Church (formerly Leawood Baptist Church) since 1974 and was a faithful servant in countless ministries. He served the church in many leadership capacities, but his heart was in serving the community through ministries that lifted people up and met the immediate needs of food and housing. He was honored as Deacon Emeritus in 2019.
Bob was preceded in death by his parents Paul Henry and Olivia Belle, and is now enjoying their company in heaven. He is survived by his loving wife, Carole; son Joseph and his wife Courtney: and grandchildren Olivia and Camden. He is also survived by his sisters Karen and her husband Andy Norris of Tulsa, OK; Olivia (Libby) and her husband Don Murry of Clayton, NC; and many wonderful nieces and nephews.
Services will be held at Hope Community Church, 8200 State Line Road, Leawood, KS, on Saturday, September 6th, 2025, with a Visitation starting at 1:00 pm, and the Memorial Service to begin at 2:00 pm.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests making a memorial contribution to Habitat for Humanity.
Bob will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. We will forever hold onto the precious memories of Bob and his spirit will live on in our hearts.