John R. "Buddy" Gibson, Jr., age 83 of Glen Carbon, IL, passed away peacefully on Sunday, February 19, 2023 at Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis, MO surrounded by his family.

He was born on June 2, 1939 in Lebanon, TN to the late John R. Gibson Sr. and Ruth Ann (nee Witt) Gibson.  He was raised in East St. Louis and was a proud member of the Flyers football and baseball teams.

Buddy retired from Operating Engineers Local 520 where he served as a past President and business agent.  After retiring, he loved to travel, go boating, fishing, and spend time with his family and friends.  He was a Mason since 1968, a member of the East Lodge #504 in Fairview Heights, IL.  He enjoyed life to the fullest and had a beautiful smile.  Buddy was an amazing husband, father, grandpa, father-in-law, and friend.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by an infant son, John Martin Gibson.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 64 years, Jo Ann (nee Rajkowski) Gibson, whom he married  June 4, 1959; three daughters he absolutely adored, Donna Jo (Mike) Myler, Diana (Roger) Schuerbaum, and Janis (Darrell) Wigginton; three grandchildren:  Stephanie (Allen) Eastman, Dakota Wigginton, and Dylan Wigginton; special friends, Ray and Bonnie Bean; and his friends at Time Out Sports Bar & Grill in Troy, IL.

Memorial visitation will be 3 – 5 p.m. on Saturday, February 25, 2023 at Barry Wilson Funeral Home in Maryville, IL.

There will be a Masonic service at 4:40 p.m. following by the memorial service at 5 p.m.

Burial will be at a later date at Lakeview Cemetery in Fairview Heights, IL.

Memorials are suggested to Siteman Cancer Center and will be received at the visitation or can be mailed to Barry Wilson Funeral Home, 2800 N. Center Street, Maryville, IL 62062.