Paul Gibson Jr., 83, of Dowagiac, passed away at 3 a.m. on Friday, April 16, 2010, at his home.

Paul’s life began on Sept. 5, 1926, in Silver Creek Township, Cass County, the son of Paul Sr. and Mary Elizabeth (Alexis) Gibson.

He served his country in the U.S. Army.

Paul was united in marriage to the former Viola Mae Williams on April 13, 1945, in Dowagiac.

He worked as an interior and exterior painter for much of his life.

He enjoyed NASCAR racing, fishing, gardening and spending time with family.

He was a member of the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians and enjoyed the activities at the Elders Hall.

His greatest joy was his family, which includes: his children, Bonita Gibson of Dowagiac, Jimmy Paul (Mattie) Gibson of Marcellus, Crystal (William) Dorr of St. Charles, Ill., and Peggy (Jack) Hoebeke of Tavares, Fla.; grandchildren, Eric (Michele) Gibson, Lisa (Scott) Reynolds, John (Cheryl) Gibson, Michele Reynolds, Valerie (Thomas) Fulton, Daniel (Kami) DeRose, Joseph (Lynette) DeRose and Kelly (Andy) Miekle; 21 great-grandchildren; one brother, Louis Person Gibson; and several nieces and nephews.

Paul is preceded in death by his wife Viola in 2008, three brothers and three sisters.

His family will gather with friends on Sunday from 4 to 6 p.m. at Yazel and Clark Chapel, where his funeral service will be Monday at 1 p.m. led by Pastor Harry Sponsellor of Glenwood Seventh-day Adventist Church.

He will be laid to rest in Sacred Heart of Mary Cemetery, Sister Lakes.

Please sign his guestbook and leave a memory of Paul at www.yazel-clark.com.