Leslie William Gibbs Sr.

Leslie "Sonny" William Gibbs, Sr. was born in Little Rock, Arkansas on November 4, 1936 to Lester Nathan Gibbs and Bessie Beatrice Mitchell. On January 21, 1960 he married Patricia E. Paoli and together they had four children: Cheryl, Leslie, Jr., Cynthia and Chris.

January 1958 Leslie began a 40 year maritime career with G&H Towing Company and worked his way up to Captain. He was licensed thru the US Coast Guard to operate towing vessels upon great lakes and inland waters.

Leslie "Sonny" became a Coast Guard approved Radar Observer upon completing the training thru the Maritime Training Center of Texas A&M Galveston. During his maritime career he received letters of commendation from his superiors on his ‘outstanding performance”, “top notch work”, “good judgement” and Superior tug handling skills”.

Leslie served our country thru the Texas Army National Guard.

He had a generous heart toward his loved ones and organizations that helped, disabled vets, children, Native Americans and animals.

Our beloved daddy and grandfather passed away on Thursday, August 8, 2019 at his home in Santa Fe, Texas. He valiantly wrestled for several years with Merkel Cell Cancer and its merciless destruction of his body.

He was preceded in death by parents, Lester N. Gibbs and Bessie B. Childers; son, Christopher W. Gibbs; granddaughter, Hayley Yarbrough; ex-wife, Patricia.

He is survived by children, Cheryl A. Waters and husband David, Leslie (Bubba) Gibbs and wife Rose, Cynthia Gibbs Slack and husband Chuck; grandchildren, Shelbie R. Gibbs, Patrick M. Gibbs, Breanna V. Partee, Brenda A. Gibbs, Davis W. Gibbs and Leslie J. Gibbs; dear friend Shirley Wagner and many cousins.

His family and friends were blessed to share his last days by his side.

The family will receive friends Wednesday, August 14, 2019 from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Forest Park East Funeral Home 21620 Gulf Freeway, Webster, Texas 77598. Funeral Services will be Thursday, August 15, 2019 10:00 am at Forest Park East Funeral Home.