| Graduation Year | Class of 1941 |
| Date of Passing | Mar 12, 2012 |
| About | APOPKA, FL: Richard (Dick/Red) Lewis Gibbons, 88 of Apopka, died on Monday, March 12, 2012. Born April 21, 1923 in Zanesville Ohio to Clara and David Gibbons. He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Virginia M. Gibbons; two sons, Richard Barry Gibbons, David Gibbons and his wife, Judy; daughter, Cathy Gibbons; sisters, Ruth Ochucci and Beverly Brett. Dick graduated from Lash High School in 1941 and enlisted in the US Army Air Force in December 1941. He was a member of the 57th Fighter Group, 64th Squadron (Black Scorpions) and attached to the British Desert Air Force in Palestine and North Africa. He received eleven battle stars, three Presidential citations, and two French Qua De Gerra while serving overseas for 38 months. After being discharged in September 1945, he attended the Brooks Institute of Photography in Santa Barbara, CA. After graduation he went to work as a newspaper photographer for the Zanesville Signal and Zanesville Times Record along with a television station in Columbus, Ohio. In September of 1959 he moved to Florida and worked 22 years as a Photo Engraver for the Orlando Sentinel. After retiring in April 1981, he attended Seminole Community College and became a Paramedic/EMT at the age of 59. Dick and Virginia helped start the medical clinic at Christianville Mission, Haiti in 1981 and 1982 and they volunteered for six months at Austria's Taking Christ to Millions mission. Dick and Virginia worked as Campground Hosts in the summer at State and National parks, covering all of the United States and most of Canada. In addition he worked as a Civilian On Patrol with the Seminole County Sheriff's Department. Dick's life will be remembered and celebrated at a memorial service to be held on Saturday, March 17, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. at Journey Christian Church (of which he was a charter member), 1965 South Orange Blossom Trail, Apopka, FL. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Florida Christian College, 1011 Bill Beck Blvd, Kissimmee, FL 34744. |
