Lonnie L. Gibbs, 77 of Ozark, went to be with the Lord on May 14, 2011, at his home after a short illness. He was born Dec. 18, 1933, in Alpena, Ark. Lonnie worked as a Tool and Die Maker at Ozark Precision for many years and then at Kraft Foods in Springfield, for 16 years before retiring in August 1993. He spent the last 18 years enjoying the time he had with his grandsons. Lonnie served his country for 8 years in the U.S. Air Force. He was a member of the Abou Ben Adhem Temple in Springfield for 27 years, and a member of the Scottish Rite. He was a Mason for 55 years with the last several years as a member of Solomon Lodge and Daylight Lodge of Springfield. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Henry and Lou Gibbs; his mother, Ethlyn Gibbs Auman; and stepfather, Frank Auman of Alpena, Ark.; a son, Tim Gibbs of Lusby, Md.; and father and mother-in-law, Dick and Mable Bailey, also of Alpena, Ark. Lonnie married the love of his life, Sharon Bailey Gibbs, on June 17, 1968. He is survived by his wife Sharon; two sons, Tom Gibbs and wife Paula along with their children Natalie, Rachel and Noah of Sidney, N.Y.; Gregg Gibbs and wife Donna of Visalia, Calif.; a daughter, Dawn Buster and husband Joe of Springfield. Lonnie’s pride and joy were his five grandsons: Austin, Colton, Trey, Payden and Paxton Buster all of Springfield. He is also survived by a brother, Buddy Auman and wife Linda of Springdale, Ark.; two sisters-in-law, Gale Battenfield of Alpena, Ark.; and Carolyn Douglas of Springfield; a special friend Mike Clabaugh, for whom Lonnie was like a big brother; several nieces and nephews, cousins G.B. Richardson and Winston Conner along with a host of family and friends. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. May 20, at Gorman-Scharpf Brentwood Chapel, in Springfield. Visitation will be held at 1 p.m. May 21 at the First Baptist Church of Alpena, Ark., with funeral services following at 2 p.m. The Rev. Harry McCullough, Rev. S.H. Hacker and Rev. Mike Widner will be officiating. Burial will follow at Alpena Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice Compassus, 1465 E. Primrose, Springfield, 65804. until we meet again may God hold you in the palm of his hand.
