Robert "Bob" Gibson, 52, Columbus

Robert “Bob” Gibson passed through Heaven’s Gates on August 1, 2024, at Our Hospice of South Central Indiana. He was known to all as Bob.

Bob was the first of three sons born to Robert Earl Gibson and Peggy Ann Schroder Gibson Ogle in Princeton, Indiana in Gibson County on November 11, 1971. Bob was a descendent of the original settlers of Gibson County, Indiana.

As a teenager, Bob worked as a cow hand at Oak Farms. He took care of and prepped show cattle for Randy Owens of the Country music group, Alabama.

Bob graduated in the class of 1990 at Columbus East High School. He achieved his Diesel Mechanic training from Lincoln Tech of Indianapolis the following year. He became the father of a son and suffered the loss of Christopher Johson, his first born in 1994.

Bob worked as a diesel mechanic for a year or so then he started driving semi tractor trailers as an “Outlaw Trucker.” Bob proudly taught others to drive the semis. Bob Said he asked God to protect him and others out on the roads. While talking to God in his truck cab one day, he heard Jesus talk to him. He asked Jesus what is the secret to living because life was so hard. Jesus answered and said one word, Faith. God protected him for the whole 28 years that he drove semis. He never had one accident, he never drove over anyone, and he survived sleeping in his semi-truck through a tornado. It meant that God is real to Bob.

He drove all over the United States and Canada. Bob had said that he had diesel in his blood. Bob homesteaded in Alaska and drove semis on the frozen Alaska ice road. While living in Alaska, he became a father again in 2012, Joshua Gibson was born. Bob returned to the Columbus area to be around his family and friends.

Bob enjoyed traveling, hunting, camping, survivalism, motorcycles, car races, music, sarcasm, gun collecting, coffee brewing, and playing cards.

He had attended Hope House of Prayer.

Bob leaves behind his son, Joshua S. Gibson; his brother, Eric C. Gibson; and his nephews, Christopher and Joseph Gibson.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents; infant son, Christopher Gibson; and brother, Timothy P. Gibson.

A funeral service will be held on Monday, August 5 at 6 p.m. at Norman Funeral Home with Pastor Rick Leonard officiating. Visitation will be held from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Cremation will take place after services.

Memorial contributions may be given to American Diabetes Association.

Online condolences may be sent to Bob’s family and friends at www.normanfuneralhome.net.