Life is eternal, and love is immortal, and death is only a horizon; and a horizon is nothing save the limit of our sight.” – Rossiter Worthington Raymond.
Elmer Lee Gibson, 93 of Kuttawa, Kentucky, returned home to be with his Lord and Savior on December 14th, 2025, peacefully in his home surrounded by his loving wife & family.
Born on January 28th, 1932, in Henderson County, Kentucky, Elmer was the firstborn son of Frank Graham Gibson and Flora Pauline Gibson (Hunt). Elmer grew up during The Great Depression and lived a lot of life before he was an adult. He attributed his work ethic and charisma to his foundational memories and experiences during this time. At an early age, Elmer was run over by a car and broke his arm during a time that was very difficult to attain urgent and affordable healthcare. The healing process and rehabilitation was severe though he overcame the challenge, one of many examples of Elmer’s sheer willpower and fortitude. His father was incarcerated twice during Elmer’s childhood for moonshining which led to Elmer quickly gaining more responsibilities to care for his siblings and help his mother, Pauline. He greatly admired his mother and always spoke of her in high regard. During this time in his childhood, he gained a lot of life experience, growing into a hard-working and dependable young man. Later in life he loved to share stories of this time and bits of wisdom to anyone that would listen, especially his children, grandchildren, and those he mentored.
Elmer achieved a 9th grade education before leaving school to work with his father and brother at the family business, Gibson Automotive. He worked faithfully at the helm alongside his family for 36 years all while expanding into four NAPA Auto Parts stores, a radiator shop, a machine shop, and a leasing company before retirement in 1983. In the early 70’s Elmer started his journey with the Amway Corporation, rapidly growing his Group, becoming a truly renowned public speaker, making many lifelong friendships along the way. He furthered his legacy by working his way up to Diamond Status as an Amway Independent Business Owner, becoming the first Diamond in the state of Kentucky. Elmer had great success in anything he put his mind to. If you asked him, he would say his occupation was “people”. A gifted conversationalist, friends and strangers alike opened their hearts and minds to him everywhere he went. He was blessed with incredible intuition and his children joked that there was no point in trying to keep secrets from him.
Elmer was a Christian man of devout faith who loved his heavenly Father and firmly believed this moment is not “goodbye” but “see you later”. He grew his faith his entire life and shared his love of God freely with anyone who would listen. He was a member of Christ Tabernacle in Princeton Kentucky and a very active member of the church. He was a devoted husband and father, a hero to his wife and family, and a counselor to the lost. Always ready and willing to offer a guiding hand, he was a pillar of his community and wise beyond his years (and there were many years).
Elmer was an avid hunter and fisherman, a world class shotgunner, and a scratch golfer. He loved to hunt quail, ducks and geese, show off his impressive bird call, and watch his dogs work. He also knew his way around any kitchen and loved to cook and watch culinary shows. He affectionately referred to himself as “Elmeril” and made many spice blends and treats to share. Elmer was a legendary man with a larger-than-life presence and a witty sense of humor. He was a Kentucky Colonel and an honorary McCracken County Sheriff’s Deputy. Undeniably positive, he faced every day with a great attitude and high expectations. A good week for Elmer would include time on the lake with a fishing pole and a buddy, fellowship with friends, taking food to members of the church, planning a hunting trip with his sons, cooking dinner for his family, watching a really good western, and lots of prayer.
Full of stories, wisdom, advice, and jokes, Elmer had a lot to say and if you heard him speak, you wanted to listen. He was truly gifted in the art of storytelling and had a memory like an elephant. All of his children and friends have fond memories of his tales, anecdotes, and speeches. If you spent much time around him, it’s likely you heard one of his many “Elmerism’s” such as “Be where you’re at” and “Don’t tell me what I can’t do”. Everyone has always said he needed to write a book or seven.
Elmer’s memory is carried on by his beloved wife of 34 years, Nancy Gibson (Roberson), and their 2 daughters, Pauline (Christopher) Gibson and Rebecca Gibson (Foster), 3 sons from his first wife Martha – David (Cathy) Gibson, Jeff (Robie) Gibson, and Greg Gibson (Nibby), his second wife, Jamie Bodiford, 9 Grandchildren, 17 Great-Grandchildren, and 3 Great-Great-Grandchildren, several nieces, nephews, cousins, and many dear friends.
Preceding Elmer in death were his parents, Frank & Pauline, his first wife Martha Gibson (Seitz), His brother Walter Riley Gibson, sister-in-law Merrie Gibson, his sister Betty Sue Garrett (Gibson) and brother-in-law Jim Ed Garrett.
Elmer has requested to be cremated with celebration of life to be held privately at a later date.
Expressions of sympathy may be made in the form of flowers or in lieu of flowers, donations to The Salvation Army or St. Jude’s Children’s hospital would be greatly appreciated by the family.
“He was a friend of man, the friend of truth; The friend of age, and guide of youth… If there’s another world, he lives in bliss; If there is none, he made the best of this.” – William Wordsworth
“Now at last they were beginning Chapter One of the Great Story which no one on earth has read: which goes on for ever: in which every chapter is better than the one before.” ― C.S. Lewis, The Last Battle
Lakeland Funeral Home in Eddyville, KY is in charge of arrangements.
