Obituary of Edward J. Gibbens

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Edward J. Gibbens, age 87 of Millcreek Township, passed away peacefully at Saint Vincent Hospital with family there on Wednesday, September 6, 2017. Born on July 28, 1930 in Erie, PA, he was the son of the late Merle H. and Velma M. (Storz) Gibbens.

Ed dearly loved his family and worked hard for many years to provide and to set an example.  He retired from Consolidated Freightways in 1992. He was a veteran of the US Army, serving two years in Germany as a Medical Technician Instructor during the Korean Conflict.  Ed was very active in his church, Dorchester Drive Baptist Church, where he held every office over the years except President of the Women’s Missionary and Pastor.   He was a Cub Scout Master, Little League Coach, and a founding member of the McDowell Band Aids; starting the annual McDowell Marching Band Invitational and ran it for ten years.  Ed loved hunting and reading, and especially the activities his kids and grandkids were in.  Known for his great sense of humor, he always had stories (and jokes) to share with family and friends. 

Ed is survived by his beloved wife of 66 years, June P. (Henry) Gibbens, whom he married on June 23, 1951, three sons Jeffrey L. Gibbens (friend Christa Haggerty), Gordon A. Gibbens (wife Melanie) and Paul E. Gibbens (friend Linde Lopez), two daughters Valerie J. (Gibbens) Clemens (husband Sam) all of Erie, and Amy L. (Gibbens) Stretch (husband Joe) of Auburn Township, OH; Grandchildren Steven, Allison and Michael Gibbens and Jenna and Trevor Stretch; Brothers Ronald Gibbens of Erie, Larry Gibbens (Diane) of Syracuse, NY and sister Sally (Gibbens) Brown of Sharon, PA. He is further survived by several cousins, nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother-in-law Edward D. Brown and several aunts and uncles. 

Per his wishes, there will be no calling hours. A Celebration of Life service will be held on Sunday, September 17th, 2017, at 10:45 AM at Dorchester Drive Baptist Church, 5002 Dorchester Drive, Erie PA 16509. Rev. Richard Bell, Officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Dorchester Drive Baptist Church, 5002 Dorchester Drive, Erie, PA 16509

Arrangements are under the care of the Dusckas-Martin Funeral Home & Crematory Inc. 4216 Sterrettania Rd.