Obituary for Terry Warren Gibson
Terry Warren Gibson, 80, of Farmington, IL, passed away on November 19, 2023, at Richard L. Owens Hospice Home in Peoria, IL. Terry was the son of the late John Warren and Thelma Maxine Moore Gibson. Born in Canton, IL, August 17, 1943, Terry is survived by siblings William (Hoot) and Betty (Birchler) Gibson of Bartonville, IL, Marjorie Gibson Paulen Palmer of Pekin, IL, and his sister-in-law Julie (Watt) Gibson of San Antonio, TX; four nephews William (Erika) Paulen of Olympia, Washington, Bret Paulen of Bellevue, IL, Rusty (Darcy) Gibson of Peoria, IL, and Adam (Jennifer) Gibson of Edwards, IL; two nieces Mary Gibson and Laurel Gibson, both of San Antonio, TX; four great-nieces, Isabella Gambino-Gibson, Madelyn, Molly, and Myla Gibson, and two great nephews, John and Jacob Paulen. Terry is also survived by numerous cousins and friends. His brother, John Gibson, and two brothers-in-law, Larry Paulen and John Palmer preceded him in death.
Terry excelled in academics. While at Limestone High School, he was Student Council president and participated in football and baseball. He graduated with high honors from Bradley University with a degree in Electrical Engineering. He was employed by Caterpillar until his retirement in the early 1990’s. While at Caterpillar, he was transferred to Arizona to conduct and analyze equipment for fork lift trucks. He returned to the Peoria proving grounds with occasional trips to Great Britain and South Korea as a test engineer. Forever humble, when asked what his job was at Caterpillar, he usually responded that he decided what color to paint the Caterpillar tractors.
Terry was a devoted uncle, who attended nearly all of his nephews’ activities. His nieces (John’s daughters) who lived in Arizona spent many happy summers playing at Terry’s farm. Once great nieces arrived, every Christmas, one could count on Uncle Terry bringing many large gift bags filled with loud, moving stuffed animals. He would just sit back and laugh as the house turned into a circus with all of them playing and moving at once.
Terry was a life-long collector, especially of Mobil Oil items to honor his dad who owned a Mobil gas station and distributorship in Peoria. He spent many days traveling to auctions to add one more item to his collection. He knew everything he had collected and the history behind each item.
Terry was a kind soul, who had many friends. He had a great, witty, sarcastic sense of humor. Crossword and Sudoku puzzles were done in ink, which was a reflection of his brilliant mind. Terry will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
A private burial will be at the Cuba Cemetery, Cuba, IL. A Celebration of Life will be held December 9 from 1-4 PM at Coyote Creek Clubhouse, 8201 W Lancaster Rd., Bartonville, IL, for all family and friends. Memorial contributions may be made in Terry’s name to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, 4722 N. Sheridan Rd., Peoria, IL 61614.
The Cremation Society of Mid-Illinois Co. Pekin/Peoria is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be made at csmico.com
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