Claude Ivan Gibson

Claude “Ivan” Gibson, 77, died early Sunday, December 29, 2024 at OSU Wexner Medical Center after months of failing health.

He was born March 14, 1947 in Tennessee to the late Claude L. and Irma M. (Helms) Gibson. The Gibson family made their way to Bucyrus in 1955 and Ivan graduated from Bucyrus High School. He joined the US Army in 1971 and served in Vietnam where he was awarded the Bronze Star Medal. Ivan retired from General Electric where he worked as a coder. He married the former Connie J. Messer on May 29, 1965 and she preceded him in death on October 6, 2014.

Ivan will be remembered as an ornery social butterfly who loved to make others laugh. He loved his family, especially playing with his grandchildren. Ivan liked to fish on occasion, but he especially enjoyed working on and restoring old cars. His prized 1965 red Malibu was his favorite, and he took it to countless car shows. Ivan was a member of Moose Lodge 669, VFW Post 1078, and worshiped at the Bucyrus Church of God. 

Ivan is survived by children, Tom (Donnetta) Gibson and Terra Morgan; grandchildren, Justen (Tasha) Gibson, Schyler Gibson, James Morgan, Dillon Morgan, Mason (Kylie) Morgan, and Kapri (Taylor) Wilson; great grandchildren, Kensleigh, Kayleigh, Camden, Allie, Xander, Abe, Bentley, Brayden, Leilynd, Haidyn, and Kinlynn; sister, Gwen Thompson; and his nieces, nephews, and extended family.

In addition to his parents and wife of 49 years, he was preceded in death by daughter, Tina Gibson; daughter-in-law, Susan Gibson; brother-in-law, Claude Thompson; and siblings, O.J. (Wanda) Helms, Galen Sue Gibson (his twin sister), and David Lee Gibson.

All services will be held on Monday, January 6, 2025 at Wise Funeral Service in Bucyrus. Family will receive friends from 11:30 am – 1:25 pm, and the funeral will begin at 1:30 pm with Rev. Tom Campbell officiating. Burial will follow in Oakwood Cemetery with military rites by the US Army Honor Guard and Bucyrus Veterans Military Funeral Detail.

Memorial donations can be made payable to Bucyrus Church of God and given at the funeral home. Memories and photos can be shared on the guestbook.