Service Details
Funeral services, with Full Military Honors, will be held on Friday, January 14, 2022, at 11:00 A.M. in the Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home with Bishop Mark Freeman, officiating. Friends can meet with the family on Friday morning from 10:00 A.M. until the time of services. Inurnment will take place at a later date at the Southern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery. The Service will be livestreamed. Please click on the following link to view: https://youtu.be/F7OCJzjYT5Q
Leonardo Gibson transitioned from this life into eternal life on Saturday, January 1, 2022 at Ascension All Saints Hospital in Racine, Wisconsin. He was born on December 25, 1924 to Catherine and Lenard Gibson in Freeman Spur, Illinois.
Leonardo received his formal education while he was a student in the Chicago Public School System. While he was a senior in high school, he enlisted in The United States Navy.
He then married his first wife Helen Harris. To this union six children were born.
Later in life he met Hettie (nee: Searcy) whom he would marry on March 9, 1963. To this union one child was born.
He was employed at American Motors Corporation (AMC)/Chrysler on July 13, 1948 where he worked in the body shop and set-up departments. After 40 years of working at AMC he retired in 1988. Leonardo continued to work part-time at The Racine Journal Times and the Metro Auto in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He was a lifetime member of Local 72, Harley Davidson Chapter and Ponyoka MC/SC Club.
In his leisure time he loved gardening, trimming the landscape in different layouts to “out do” the neighbors. Most of all he LOVED, LOVED, LOVED riding his Harley and going to cookouts with the guys, Clint, Moss, Bill, James D., Richard B., Celest, Bickie, Sylvester, Cousin Buck and Ray.
He leaves to cherish his memory; his wife Hettie (nee: Searcy); his children, Leonora Gibson of Atlanta, GA, Cynthia Virgin, Roslyn Gibson, Catherine Gibson, all of Chicago, IL and Scott Gibson of Minneapolis, MN; 19 grandchildren; 30 great-grandchildren; sisters, Gail (Jessie) Causey, Evonne (Raymond) Dawson, both of Milwaukee, WI; brothers, Leonard Gibson of Racine, WI; sisters-in-law, Judy Bond of Aurora, CO, Teena Davis of Washington, D.C., Patricia Gibson of Racine, WI; brother-in law, Frazier (Jerri) Searcy of Minneapolis, MN; Godchildren, Denessa Smith, Autumn Andrew and J.J. Andrew, and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
Leonardo was preceded in death by his parents Catherine and Lenard Gibson, and two children, Leonardo Gibson and Lamar Gibson, four brothers, L.C. Gibson, Kenneth Gibson, Gary Gibson, Donald Gibson, and two sisters, Vicky King and Barbara Gibson.
Funeral services, with Full Military Honors, will be held on Friday, January 14, 2022, at 11:00 A.M. in the Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home with Bishop Mark Freeman, officiating. Friends can meet with the family on Friday morning from 10:00 A.M. until the time of services. Inurnment will take place at a later date at the Southern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery.
Betty Brown says
To the Gibson Family, I am praying for you and sending my deepest condolences. My friend Hattie much love to you.
Pat and Robert Billups says
Condolences and Prayers to the Gibson Family.
Jozell and Jimmy Davies says
Our sincere condolences to the Gibson and Searcy families. Our prayers and thoughts are with you during this difficult time. 🙏
Will and LeLar Beadles says
Condolences to the familyl ours prayers or with you
Ruth Mitchell Collins says
Hettie and family- Sending my condolences (along with a big hug) on the loss of your beloved Leonardo.
With 💕,
Theodora McSwine says
My condolences to you and your family 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾
Kathy Hermann Blickle says
I worked with Leonardo at the Journal-Times. He was a quiet man, but friendly and kind. I am glad I had the chance to work with him. Sympathy, prayers and love for his family and friends.
John 14:2 In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.
Yvonne (Gibson) Dawson & Siblings says
“Bud” as he was affectionately called by his siblings left a Big hole in our hearts with his passing. After our father died, Bud stepped up and played a huge role in our lives. Not only was he a splitting image of our father but he also displayed many of his characteristic for which we will forever be grateful for. We love you and you will be dearly missed.
Sandi Julius says
Dear Hettie and Family
Dave and I are so sad to learn that Lennie has passed away. We’re unable to attend Lennie’s service but please know we’ll be there in heart, soul and spirit. We love you both so much, our neighborhood special family. May the memories you made and shared with Lennie help you through the upcoming sad days. I remember Lennie bringing over tomatoes, cucumbers, onions all the veggies from his wonderful garden. So many memories of our times together. Love you and let Scottie know we’re thinking of him also. I will stop by to see you soon Hettie. Rest In Peace Lennie.
Michele Woodfork says
My condolences to you and the family
Yvonne (Gibson) Dawson and siblings says
“Bud” as he was affectionately called by his sibling left a BIG hole in our hearts with his passing. After our father passed, Bud stepped up and played a huge role in our lives. For this we will forever be grateful. We love you and you will be dearly missed.
Teena says
To my family: May God’s loving kindness and comfort surround you and carry you through, as you take one day at a time. And may his Word of truth that soon there will be no more death bring you much needed comfort and hope
Juanita Almond says
My Condolences and prayers to the Gibson family.
James & Mattie Cushenberry says
Hettie, Our prayers are with you today & always. May the Lord comfort you in your time of sadness. We love you.
James & Mattie Cushenberry
Michele Lepsche says
Scotty,
You and your family are in my prayers
Michele
Mary Jeffries and the Bedford Family says
Sincere condolences to the Gibson Family. I remember the days of The Ponyoko Motorcycle Social club. We had great times. Praying for comfort for the entire family at this most difficult time.
Derek Turner says
Mr. G he was a good man a good person to me I love being around him when I was there in Wisconsin helping his wife Hattie Gibson he just like a mentor to me like a father I never had truly going to be miss R.I.P.
Tony and Lisa Green says
Our hearts and prayers go out to you and the family. May he rest in peace.
May his laughter and joy in life, continue to surround you with comfort and
beautiful memories.
Janice Cobbler- Randle says
So sorry for your loss Hattie and the rest of the family