My dad, Charles L. Gibson, was a gypsy soul—always on the go, hitchhiking to different towns and meeting new people wherever he went. He often told me that God would send him on missions, and he called it the crossroads—a kind of spiritual warfare that he embraced with an open heart. He was a good dad, and the last two weeks he spent with me were truly special. We were snowed in together, and those days were filled with laughter, movies (he loved action films), and precious moments with his grandbaby, Blakeley. Every day, they would wrestle, and he’d call her his little turkey, sharing stories about when my brothers and I were kids. He was always there for us—me, Zach, and Jared—no matter how far away he was. If we called and said we needed him, he would come.

His passing was sudden and heartbreaking. On February 17, emergency crews found him near the railroad tracks in Poplar Bluff. The authorities believe he died before the train arrived, and an autopsy is scheduled to determine the cause of death. Our family is devastated, and we are trying to come to terms with this loss while also facing the unexpected costs of his funeral. My dad was a hard-working, loving man who inspired many people. He was always willing to share what he had, especially with his friends at the homeless camp. He will always be remembered as a good-hearted dad who tried his best for his family and those around him.

I’m going to miss all the stories he told me about his adventures—like when he went to Las Vegas and so many more. Rest in peace, Dad. We are reaching out for help to cover his funeral expenses and give him the farewell he deserves. Any support, no matter how small, would mean the world to us as we navigate this difficult time. Please consider helping us lay my dad to rest and remember him for the loving, adventurous, and caring person he was.