Gary Dean Gibbs, age 90, of Victoria, Illinois, died, surrounded by his loving family at 10:41 p.m. on Wednesday, November 5, 2025, at Courtyard Estates in Knoxville, Illinois.
He was born on September 16, 1935, in Galesburg, Illinois, the son of Dean and Frances (Godsil) Gibbs. He attended and graduated from ROVA High School in 1953. He married Darlene L. Vilardo on November 4, 1955, in Victoria, Illinois, they spent 51 wonderful years together until her death on October 21, 2006. They had four children, Kelly, Marc, Matt, and Mike. Also surviving are twelve grandchildren, nineteen great-grandchildren, and two brother-in-laws, Roger Seiboldt of Victoria, IL and Donnie (Susan) Vilardo of Galesburg, IL. Then later he married Carole Murdock on November 28, 2008, she preceded him in death on December 6, 2024. He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Sharon Seiboldt and son-in-law Terry Rice.
He was of the Methodist Faith. During his high school years he played football, making the All Conference, picked for the Little Six Conference. He farmed with his dad until he passed, then continued farming until his retirement in rural Victoria, Illinois and worked for the Copley Township for 45 years. He was a member of the former Victoria Lions Club and president in 1976. He loved his kids, grandkids, and great-grandkids. His favorite thing to do was to spend time with them and attend their events. He was known as a happy-go-lucky man who always had a radiating smile on his face.
Graveside services will take place at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, at Victoria Cemetery, Victoria, Illinois, with Pastor Chuck Hilman officiating. He will be buried in the Victoria Cemetery, next to his wife Darlene. Memorials may be made to the ROWVA FFA. On-line condolences and/or expressions of sympathy may be sent through www.hurd-hendricksfuneralhome.com.
