Merle Duane Gibbs

Merle D. Gibbs of Cadillac passed away Thursday morning, March 16, 2017 at his home. He was 87. Merle was born on July 14, 1929 in Auburn Heights, Michigan to Hersel W. & Beulah M. (Gay) Gibbs. He married the former Eleanor June Willis on Sept. 19, 1952 in Auburn Heights, Michigan and she preceded him in death on June 23, 1972. \nMr. Gibbs graduated from Auburn Heights High School and soon after graduating he enlisted in the United States Army and served during the Korean War. After returning from the service he went to Oakland University where he received his Associates degree. His first employment was working with his brother plastering houses and later was employed at Kysor in Cadillac for 19 years. He then worked for Brooks & Perkins for a short time and retired from Michigan Rubber and after he retired he worked for Hagstrom's Flower Shop. \nMerle was a former member of the Cadillac Moose Lodge and he enjoyed golfing, hunting, sports of all kinds including the Detroit teams as well as the Spartans and Wolverines. Mr. Gibbs loved his family and grandchildren and spending time with them. He was known to have a great sense of humor.\nSurvivors include his children: Ron (Mary Lou) Gibbs of Marion, Scott (Lori) Gibbs of Boyne City, Debbie (Tim) Dumont of Midland, Rod (Amy) Gibbs of Cadillac, Cindy Leib of Midland, Linda (Kevin) DeHaan of Cadillac, Steve Gibbs of Grand Rapids, Bob (Angie) Gibbs of Cedar Springs, Peggy (Matt) Pollington of Marion and Patti (Jim) Palmitier of Grand Rapids; 20 grandchildren; many great grandchildren and 1 great-great grandchild; 2 brothers: Richard Gibbs of Auburn Hills and Keith (Liz) Gibbs of Falmouth; and many nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents and wife he was preceded in death by a brother, Gene Gibbs and 2 sisters-in-law: Audrey Willis and Joyce Gibbs.\nFuneral services will be held 12 Noon Tuesday, March 21, 2017 at Zion Lutheran Church with Reverend Scott Torkko officiating and full military rites under the auspices of the Cadillac Area Honor Guard. Friends may meet the family Monday from 4-7 PM at Peterson Funeral & Cremation Services in Cadillac. His final resting place will be Greenwood Cemetery in Marion. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Michigan. An online guestbook is available at www.petersonfh.com.

Merle Duane Gibbs

July 14, 1929 - March 16, 2017