Charles Gibson

GIBSON, Charles R.Lawton

Died peacefully October 25, 2003, at his residence. Charles was born July 7, 1909, in Lawton, the son of Frederick and Ida (VanDenburgh) Gibson. He grew up in Lawton and graduated from Lawton High School in 1927. He attended the University of Michigan, graduating with a major in education. He went directly on to the U of M Graduate School, receiving his Master's degree in Educational Administration the following year. He returned to Lawton and began his teaching career at Lawton Community Schools in 1934. He taught history, physical education, and coached basketball and baseball. He later became principal. He was united in marriage to Jamesine (Polly) Pollock on June 26, 1940. He was called to service in the U.S. Army in 1942.

During World War II, Charlie served in the infantry 106th Division Service Company in Europe. He earned the rank of Major in the U.S. Army. However, he was always known to his service company as "Captain." During the Battle of the Bulge he was wounded, captured, and became a prisoner of war. He returned to the United States and was discharged from the U.S. Army in 1945. He remained in the Army Reserves, retiring as a Lt. Colonel.

Charlie returned to teaching for Lawton Community Schools as principal and teacher. Within a few years he became Superintendent of Schools following Lloyd Martin's retirement. Nearing retirement, he chose to step down and become the school librarian where he remained until his retirement in 1971.

He served on the Lawton Public Library Board for many years. He also served on the Lakeview Hospital Board for many years as the representative from Lawton and later as Chairman of the Board. Charlie was a member of St. Paul's United Methodist Church and the Paw Paw/Lawton Masonic Lodge where he as a 32nd Degree Mason. He was a member of the 106th Infantry Association, 422nd Service Company, the American Prisoners of War and Disabled American Veterans. Charlie spent his life helping to make Lawton the best possible place to live.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Buster; two sisters, Thelma Gibson and Phyllis Agosti; and a brother-in-law, Armond (Gus) Agosti. Surviving are his wife, Polly, of 63 years; a nephew, Charles D. Agosti of Portage; a double cousin, Edythe Buskirk of Kalamazoo; and many relatives and friends. A Celebration of Life service will be held Tuesday 1:00 PM at Betzler & Thompson Funeral Homes, M-40 South of I-94, Paw Paw (657-3870), Rev. Ron Brooks, officiating. Interment will be at Oak Grove Cemetery. The family will be present to receive friends Monday from 2:00 - 4:00 and 6:00 - 8:00 PM at the funeral home. A Masonic Service will be held Monday evening at 7:00 PM at the funeral home. To share a memory, send flowers, or make a memorial contribution to the Lawton Library or St. Paul's United Methodist Church, please visit Charlie's personal web page at www.lifestorynet.com.

WHEN I MUST LEAVE YOUBy H.S. Rice

When I must leave you for a little while,Please do not grieve and shed wild tears And hug your sorrow to you through the years,But start out bravely with a gallant smile;And for my sake and in my name,Live on and do all things the same. Feed not your loneliness on empty days,But fill each waking hour in useful ways. Reach out your hand in comfort and in cheer,And I in turn will comfort you and hold you near.And never, never be afraid to die,For I am waiting for you in the sky!