Robert Gene Gibson, age 71, of Columbia formerly of Iberia, died Wednesday, December 26, 2007, at his home. He was born in St. Louis on July 31, 1936, son of Samuel A. and Cora Viola (McKinney) Gibson. On July 19, 1986, in Iberia, he was married to Joann Pearson, who survives at the home.

He was a Marine Corps veteran of the Korean Conflict and a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars. He had worked at Kraml Wood Products and operated a small engine repair shop near Iberia.

Other survivors include six sons, Glenwood Gibson of the state of Nevada, Teddy Gibson of the state of California, Mark Gibson and Robert G. Gibson, Jr., both of the state of Texas, and Sam Gibson and Damon Gibson both of the state of Arizona; two daughters, Sherry Lynn Shipman of the state of Texas, and Connie Watkins of the state of Illinois; one stepdaughter, Angela Madden of Versailles; four brothers, Sam Gibson, Jimmi Gibson, Jerry Gibson, and Gary Gibson all of the state of Alaska; 10 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents and one sister, Glenda Cato.

Visitation will be from 12 noon until 2:00 p.m. on Monday, December 31, at Rekus Funeral Home in Iberia. Services will follow at 2:00 p.m. at the funeral home with Pastor Bob Kelley officiating. Interment with military honors will be in Livingston Cemetery near Iberia.

Memorial contributions are suggested to a charity of the donor's choice.