Kenneth Lloyd Gibson

Kenneth was born in Porum, Oklahoma to Jerry and Millie Gibson. He resided in Kern County from 1945 to the present. Kenneth graduated from Arvin High School in 1959 where he excelled in athletics. He later received his Associate’s degree from Bakersfield College.

In his early years Kenneth worked for Santa Fe Railroad, Signal Oil and gas and he served in the California Highway Patrol until 1972, when he began to work for the Kern County Welfare Department (now Human Services) as a fraud investigator. He retired from the Kern County District Attorney’s office in 2001.

Kenneth had many interests and he made friends for life. He was kind, helpful and compassionate and always had a joke to share. He was an avid sportsman, enjoyed hunting and fishing, visiting casinos, flying and golfing with friends. He loved football and enjoyed watching the BC renegades play each year. In his retirement he and his wife enjoyed traveling in their RV and enjoyed so many happy days at the beach with family.

Kenneth is survived by his wife, Yolanda Salmon-Gibson, his mother, Millie Gibson; sons Kevin (Kim) Gibson; Ryan (Deana) Gibson; Archie (Lynnette) Gibson; their mother, Nell Albitre; stepdaughter Geanna Salmon; grandchildren, AJ, Blake and Brock Gibson; step grandson Joey Damino and Ken’s special friend, Hugh Mahoney. Extended family members include his three brothers, Bob (Joyce) Gibson, Jay (Cindy) Gibson and Dale (Judy) Gibson as well as numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. Kenneth was preceded in death by his stepson, Eugene Salmon, his sisters, Joyce Wilson and Shirley Vandeerpool and his brother Wayne Gibson

We would like to thank all for the love, support and prayers over the last few days. We extend deep gratitude to his doctors, CBCC staff and the ICU nursing unit at Memorial Hospital for their compassionate care.

A memorial service will be held for Kenneth on May 12, 2012 at 10 a.m. at Hillcrest Memorial Park and Mortuary Chapel at 9101 Kern Canyon Road. A potluck gathering will be held at Hart Park after the services to celebrate his life and share stories. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society in his name. Condolences may also be expressed at www.hillcrestmemorial.com