Taps Tribute:

FRANCIS L. GIBSON 1961
Cullum No. 23583-1961 | January 24, 2017 | Died in Santa Ana, CA
Cremated. Inurned at West Point Cemetery, NY

Born April 1, 1939, Francis Lee Gibson came to West Point’s Class of 1961 from the coal mining country of eastern Ohio. His father, James, died in the Powhatan Coal Mine Fire of 1944, and Frank and his older brother, Jim, were raised by their mother, Anna. Frank grew up in Glencoe, OH, where he attended Bellaire High School and was an excellent student and star athlete.

In this remembrance, he’ll be called “Frank.” He would tell you his mother was the one person who ever called him Francis. Only a few others dared. But he went by many other names bestowed by friends and family: Hoot, Gibby, Gibber, Papa Hooty, and the Legend. A respected source tells us that nicknames are “a form of endearment and amusement.” That fits Frank precisely.

He was dearly loved: The president of the Class of 1961 declared succinctly, “Gibby was simply one of the very best members of our Class. SECOND TO NONE.” Another classmate put it more colloquially, “The big gorilla should have been voted best all-around in the class.”

And Frank basked in humor: The stories are legion as to how his nicknames were bestowed. Often, they arose from participation with friends and family in activities he enjoyed immensely: sports of all kinds and especially football, bird hunting and golf. And he loved jokes and funny stories. When you saw that twinkle in his eyes, you knew something he thought very humorous, often about himself, was about to be revealed. To be included in those moments was very special.

But beware of the Gibson glare. An immense man, considering both his physical stature and surrounding aura, he projected his distastes for boorish behavior, disloyalty and other sins of character with a look that would make the faint-hearted cringe and search for the nearest exit. But that was usually all that was needed. Except on the football field, he was always the kindest, gentlest giant you ever met. Ask his wife, sons and grandkids on whom he doted without reservation. On the football field he was regarded as a true sportsman by teammates and opponents. He played the game with passion, devotion and respect.

A good student who graduated in the middle of his class, Frank’s cadet years will always be remembered most for his contributions to Army athletics. Frank was an intimidating pitcher on the Army Baseball Team, but his legacy as an Army athlete rests with his time on the football field, where he was a member of one of the best varsity programs in the country for three years. The excellence of his talent and athleticism is easily appreciated when one recalls that he played both offense and defense, manning skill positions like quarterback and receiver as well as being one of the the guys slogging away in the trenches. He was a member of Army’s undefeated 1958 team, the last team coached by the great Red Blaik, and Frank’s leadership abilities were reflected by his selection as co-captain in his last year, one of the greatest honors a West Point cadet can achieve.

At graduation, Frank was commissioned in the Artillery branch, in which he served during his first tour in Vietnam. His experiences there led him to transfer into the Transportation Corps branch, in which he served for the remainder of his distinguished military career. His career included a company command in Vietnam, battalion commands in Vietnam and Korea, teaching assignments at the Command and General Staff College, and two appointments as an assistant football coach at Army. His accomplishments were recognized by many awards and decorations, including the Legion of Merit and two Bronze Star Medals. He also earned a master’s degree from Georgia Tech. Lieutenant Colonel Gibson retired in 1981 and then began a very successful second career in real estate in southern California.

Of all his great lifetime achievements, nothing exceeded those of husband and parent. He met Barbara, his soulmate, on a blind date during his first coaching assignment at West Point, and they married in 1964. Three sons—Francis Jr. (Boomer), Donald, and Craig—soon joined the family and followed in their father’s football footsteps. All became outstanding Division I college football players, Boomer at Arizona and Donald and Craig at USC. The sons also followed their parents’ lead by marrying well and raising talented kids who have achieved distinction as students, both athletically and as scholars. The big difference with this group is that many are fine young women of whom Barb and Frank have been very proud and mightily enjoyed following all over the country to support their athletic and other pursuits.

In an exciting life of unending adventures, Frank never lost sight of who he was and where he came from. He remained close to his family, classmates, teammates and a vast array of friends accumulated as easily as most people acquire bad habits. He loved sharing the experiences that give life meaning and joy. Those of us who participated in these experiences cherished his loyalty and support. We also knew that if anything awful befell us, our families could count on Frank being there without reservation to help pick up the pieces. Which often he did.

Frank left us on January 24, 2017. This piece is but a brief description of a man who was bigger than life, who blotted out the sun, and in whose shadow we were privileged to stand. You blessed us Frank and may God bless you.