Gafe Jerome Gibson, age 59, of Ruston, Louisiana, passed away peacefully at his residence on May 22, 2026. A proud graduate of Quitman High School, Gafe continued his education at Louisiana Tech University, later earning a master's degree in aviation -- a reflection of his lifelong love of learning and dedication to excellence. He honorably served his country as a helicopter pilot in the United States Army and retired as a decorated Chief Warrant Officer 3 after a distinguished 23 year military career (6 years- Air Force & 17 years- Army). Gafe found great joy in the outdoors, especially fishing and golfing, and he was an avid collector of coins and baseball cards. He will be remembered for his intelligence, service, adventurous spirit, and the many lives he touched throughout his journey.

Gafe is survived by his son, Conner Gibson; mother, Mickey L. Gibson; brother, Boyd Gibson (Dana); niece, Shae Newton (Cody); nephew, Ben Gibson (Emily); great nieces, Kynnedy, Caroline and Claire Newton; cousins, Tracie Brown (Steven) and Keith Wyatt (Kim); and uncle, Sammy Stevenson.

He was preceded in death by his father, James Earl Gibson; maternal grandparents, Elmer and Avona Stevenson; paternal grandparents, Waylon and Earnestine Gibson; and aunt, Gaylon Wyatt (Kenneth).

Friends may visit with the family on Wednesday, May 27, 2026 at Southern-Edmonds Funeral Home Chapel from 1:00 PM until 2:00 PM.  The service will begin at 2:00 PM in the chapel and will be officiated by Bro. Thomas Ussery.  Burial will follow in Antioch Cemetery near Quitman, under the direction of Southern-Edmonds Funeral Home.

Serving as pallbearers will be: Adam Schrepfer, Sparky Robinson, Tommy Woods, Keith Wyatt, Patrick Treadway and Steven Brown.  Honorary pallbearers will be: Ben Gibson, Tony Bryan and Cody Newton.