Raymond P. Gibson, 85, of Milford passed away on Thursday, December 7, 2023 at Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana. He was born on March 20, 1938 in Onarga, a son of Martin C. and Mary G. (Kanosky) Gibson and they preceded him in death. Ray married Phyllis Jameson in July of 1984 and she preceded him in death on April 23, 2021.
He is survived by two daughters, Rae Ann Gibson (Kenny Woodburn) of Naples, Florida and Stephanie (Joe) Berko of Naples, Florida; two sisters, Mary Anne (Randy) Cultra of Onarga and Nancy Delaney of Bloomington; three brothers, Dave (Barb) Gibson of Champaign, Mike (Pam) Gibson of Milford and Steve (Aleta) Gibson of Naperville; and two granddaughters, Emma and Lila Mastro.
Ray attended Onarga schools for all 12 years and graduated from Onarga High School in 1956. He was an outstanding athlete (especially football) and was so proud that he earned 15 of the possible 16 varsity sports letters. He went on to continue his football days as a member of the Fighting Illini at the University of Illinois in Champaign until a serious knee injury ended his playing days. After graduating from the U of I, like so many young men in the 1960s, he served his country as a member of the U.S. Army. He then returned to Iroquois County and started his teaching career in Crescent City, then two years as head football coach at Gilman High School (season 1967 and 1968), where he was so proud that they only lost one game in those two seasons. After those two successful years, he became an assistant football coach at Proviso East H.S. in Maywood. He then decided to relocate to Florida, where he started a real estate brokerage business. After several years there, he decided to move back to Iroquois County and became head football coach at Hoopeston High School and later ending his long teaching career at Watseka High School. He loved fishing and hunting. Besides athletics, Ray had a special fondness of reminiscing about his boyhood days growing up in Onarga and walking the numerous fields hunting rabbits and pheasants with friends Wayne Dannehl, John Kuntz, Quen Cultra, and Dick Price to name only a few. So many great memories he loved to share with family and friends.
Funeral services will be at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, December 13, 2023 at the Knapp Funeral Home in Onarga with Minister Ed Highfill officiating. The visitation will be two hours prior beginning at 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. also at the funeral home. Burial will follow in the Onarga Cemetery with Graveside Military Rites by the Watseka American Legion Post 23.
Memorials may be given to the donor's choice.
Rest in Peace, thanks for all the memories! We love you and he will be dearly missed by so many.
