Marvin E. Gibson

Marvin Edwin Gibson, 84, of Warsaw, formerly of Sedalia, passed away Tuesday, July 5, 2022, at Bothwell Regional Health Center.

He was born September 11, 1937, at home in rural Pettis County, son of Norman D. and Mary K. (Taylor) Gibson.

On December 15, 1955, in Sedalia, he married Sandra June (Baker).

Marvin attended Oak Point School near La Monte, Missouri and was a 1954 graduate of Smith-Cotton High School. He served in the United States Navy from 1954 to 1958 and was stationed at the Norfolk Naval Station, Virginia and Naval Facility Nantucket, Massachusetts

In 1960 Marvin and Sande opened a DX Full service station on Broadway in Sedalia. He would go on to work at Alcan Cable until 1978 and was a lifelong farmer. They purchased Cork ‘n Bottle in 1998 which they operated for nearly twenty years. Along with his wife Sande, he owned and operated G-7 Farms until his death.

Marvin started racing modifieds part time in 1961 at Thunderbolt Speedway. By 1962, he had his own Lily Lavender car #62. In ‘63 he didn’t race, but was hit by a car standing near the track suffering a broken leg. In ‘64 and ‘65 he was back at the wheel stating he was hurt worse as a spectator than a driver. He then raced at Sportsman Speedway in Marshall and occasionally ran at XX Speedway at California, Missouri.

In 1966, he drove the #71 owned by CH Hines of Marshall, Missouri. In August of that year they found their way to the Knoxville Nationals (IA) and he won the B main. However, they didn’t want to possibly tear up equipment and chose to not run in the final. He and CH ran through 1967 with success. In 1968, he piloted the Sparks Electric sprint and ran his #62 making their way to races at Capitol City Speedway, Holts Summit, Lincoln, Nebraska and Topeka, Kansas.

He put away his fire suit and helmet in 1970, but never lost his desire to watch races on TV. He even said he could still wheel one. His favorite NASCAR driver was Kyle Busch, as they shared similar personalities.  He was very critical of the rules, other drivers, NASCAR itself and the announcers in true Marvin fashion.

Marvin will be remembered for his love of farming, his ability to tell a good story and his quick wit. When he could not watch races on TV, he enjoyed any and all western shows. He also loved being Papa to all his grandchildren and appreciated his time with each of them.

Surviving are his wife of 66 years, Sande, of the home; four children, Karla Billings (Alan), of Topeka, KS, Chris Gibson (Diane), of Hastings, MN, Dean Gibson, of Muncie, IN, and Micki Lane (Shea), of Ozark, MO; fifteen grandchildren, Kristy Nerio (Mike), Chasidy Johnson, Natalie Cook, Kris Sudduth (Tiffany), Melissa Cook, Zach Gibson, Brady Billings (Rachel), Natasha McConnell (Cody), Billy Miera, Briar Lane, Peyton Lane, Ethan Gibson, Parker Lane, Jacob Gibson and Owen Gibson; ten great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; and two sisters, Pauline Mosley (Bruce) of Sacramento, CA, and Marvalee Farris (J.R.) of Gulf Shores, AL.

He was preceded in death by a son, Rodney Gibson; a grandson, Chase Gibson; his parents, Norman and Mary Gibson; stepmother, Ann Gibson; son-in-law, Robert Sudduth, two brothers, T.H. Gibson and William Gibson; and sister, Lulu Cook.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, July 9, 2022, at Heckart Funeral Home.

Private burial will be at a later date in Memorial Park Cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Friday, July 8, 2022, at the funeral home.

Memorials are suggested to the Brain Injury Association of Missouri (biamo.org) or a non-profit of your choice.