September 4, 1940 – August 6, 2023
Max LaVern Gibson, a respected Wabash Valley community, business, and political leader, passed away on Sunday evening at the facility that bears his name – the Gibson Family Center for Hospice Care. He was 82 years old.
Max was born to LaVern M. Gibson and Mildred Diehl Gibson on September 4, 1940. Max spent most of his childhood years in Fontanet, but moved to the east side of Terre Haute before his senior year in high school. He graduated from Glenn High School in 1958.
Max played basketball and baseball, as both a Fontanet Beantowner and a Glenn Pirate. His play at each school helped to stoke a fierce sports rivalry between the two. While at Glenn, he met a cheerleader named Jackie Jo Smith from Seelyville. Max and Jackie were married on August 27, 1961.
Max attended Indiana State College and earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Education in 1962. While at ISU, he was a member of the Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity. From those early years, Max was a dedicated fan and supporter of Sycamore athletics. The Track and Field Complex at Indiana State University bears the Gibson name today.
His early decision to pursue a business career with his father led to the accelerated growth of Gibson Coal Company, Gibson Trucking Company, Gibco Motor Express, M and G Maintenance, Jamax Corporation, and Victory Services Corporation. The Gibson trucking companies provided coal, aggregate, and industrial waste hauling to customers in Indiana and surrounding states. In the late 1970’s, they supplied coal service to Indiana universities and hospitals, so that operations could continue during the coal strikes of that time. The coal and trucking businesses were eventually sold to Black Beauty Resources in 1984 and the other operations were acquired by Laidlaw Waste Systems in 1989.
In 1977, before Larry Bird became a legend, Max gave him a job doing general maintenance work at his properties in Fontanet. That summer job led to a close friendship between the Bird and Gibson families that endures today. In 1986, Max had the idea of opening a hotel and restaurant with Bird’s name. In 1987, they opened the Boston Connection in downtown Terre Haute. The Connection is legendary in the history of Terre Haute and Vigo County. Bird and the facility attracted many celebrities and star athletes to visit the city.
Max was involved in many charities over his career and believed in giving back to the community. He was president of the Board of the Terre Haute Boys Club for several years. He served on the boards of Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, the Indiana State University Foundation, Saint Mary of the Woods College, and the Gibault School for Boys. Max also served as the president of the Board of the Terre Haute Breakfast Optimist Club. He was instrumental in the Glenn Civic Center and its development of the Wabash Valley Family Sports Center and the LaVern Gibson Championship Cross Country Course. He was also a significant donor in the development of ISU’s Gibson Track and Field Complex.
Max was always content to operate behind the scenes and, although he never sought accolades, he received many recognitions. He was named a Sagamore of the Wabash by two Indiana Governors. He received the Chapman S. Root Award from Hospice of the Wabash Valley. Max was presented the Harry S. Truman Award by the Vigo County Democrat Party. Indiana State University has established the Max and Jackie Gibson Award to be presented for philanthropic excellence. He also served many years on the Board of Directors of First Financial Corporation and First Financial Bank.
Max was an accomplished and knowledgeable collector of southwestern art, firearms, and Old West memorabilia and collectibles. He was committed and worked hard to become an expert in those hobbies – just as he did with every endeavor. He amassed impressive collections in all three areas.
Max was very proud of his family and enjoyed having them all together. He worked hard to provide a foundation of success for each of his children. In more recent years, he really enjoyed his role as a grandfather. Max is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Jackie, four children and their spouses: Gregory L. Gibson and wife, Amy Zwerner Gibson, Lisa G. Gibson and husband, Eric Slack, Jill R. Short and husband, Jim Short, and Jami Jo Patterson and husband, David Patterson. Also surviving are five grandchildren: Matthew David Patterson, Max Levi Short, John (Jack) Gregory Gibson, Cole Campbell Short, and Lucy Jane Gibson. Also, a sister: Joann McDonald and a brother and sister-in-law: Gary and Donna Smith, as well as several nieces and nephews.
Max was preceded in death by his parents, Vern and Mildred Gibson, a sister, Sally Nicholson, and two brothers-in-law, Travis McDonald and Bill Nicholson.
The Gibson family has decided to conduct private funeral and burial services. The family would like to hear about your memory or experience with their husband, father or grandfather. Please consider paying your respects with a card, letter, text or email about Max to a family member. Those memories will be very meaningful. The family is especially grateful to Lea Cullison for her exceptional care and support through trying times.
Max was a dedicated member of the congregation at Cross Lane Community Church. He was also very proud of the youth programs at the Wabash Valley Family Sports Center. The family is thankful for the care provided by the nurses and aids at the Gibson Family Center for Hospice Care. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to one of these three exceptional organizations.
Max Gibson was a special man. He was very thankful to be blessed to be in a position to help others. One of his biggest joys was to quietly help others in need and he did that often. His family and this community will miss him.
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