In Loving Memory of Richard Gibbs | 1948 - 2025
Richard Allen Gibbs, 76, passed away on January 14, 2025, from complications of liver disease in Topeka, Kansas. Rich was born Nov. 16, 1948, in Columbia, MO, educated in Hamilton, MO, and graduated high school in Liberal, KS, in 1966. He attended Kansas State University and served six years in the U.S. Navy. He joined TFM Communications in Topeka, KS, in 1975 and retired in 2015, though continued to support company projects until his passing.
Rich’s passion was his love of classic cars
Rich’s passion was his love of classic cars, especially Cadillacs and Buicks, shown by his long-standing and prolific involvement in these communities including: Buick Car Club of America, Buick Driving Enthusiasts, CHVA, Cadillac LaSalle Club, Antique Automobile Club of America; as well as his impressive collections of full-size classic cars, model cars, and books. He also loved music, radios, photography, and ice cream. As a car enthusiast, he planned and led several cross-country drives that took him all over the United States to visit family and friends, who ultimately became his family as well.
Rich was preceded in death by his parents, Stanley Eugene and Dorothy Allen Gibbs, his sister Carol Jane Gibbs, and his brother James Edward Gibbs. He is survived by his sister Anita Gibbs Elsham (Peter), three nephews (Christopher Shelton, Robert Shelton, Dillon Gibbs) and two nieces Kimberly Vavrick (Adam) and Erin Patzner (Thomas).
Richard will be interred at Leavenworth National Cemetery, 150 Muncie Road, Leavenworth, Kansas 66048; and the Committal Service with Military Honors will be held on Friday, April 18, 2025 at 10:00am. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: Tunnel to Towers Foundation, T2T.org, 2361 Hylan Boulevard, Staten Island, NY, 10306.