Samuel Gibson Obituary

Samuel D. Gibson

Sam Gibson V - an accomplished architect, enthusiastic community leader, father, and grandfather - passed away Wednesday, Jan. 24, 2024.

Throughout a lifetime of service, he had a lasting impact in his profession, community, and family.

Sam was born Nov. 27, 1933, in Tiffin, to Samuel Dee Gibson IV and Edith Gibson Hunter, who preceded him in death. In his early years, Sam enjoyed small town living, especially outdoor adventures with his father and brothers. His life took him many places, Ohio State and Washington University to study chemical engineering and architecture, White Sands, New Mexico where he served in U.S. Army performing missile testing, and St. Louis, Missouri, where he had a long career as a noted architect. In later years, he adopted Vermont and Wisconsin as his homes.

People who met Sam saw a man who took seriously his responsibilities, loved engaging with others, and said much with a wry knowing smile. Those who got to know him better welcomed his singular sense of humor and deep intelligence and he readily shared his wide-ranging passions such as sailing, fishing, photography, history, and music.

As an architect in St. Louis for over 40 years, he had a hand in some of the area's most prominent projects including the original Busch Stadium, Council Tower, the revolving restaurant at the top of Stouffers Riverfront Inn, as well as the Delmar Boulevard Wabash Station and many others.

Outside of his profession, Sam was constantly engaged in his community. For over 10 years, he was an integral part of the City of Kirkwood Planning and Zoning Commission, serving as both member and chairman, and helped ensure that development in the city of Kirkwood met architectural standards. Furthermore, Sam was an important member of the citizens' groups that proposed and passed the city charter for the City of Kirkwood referendum in 1983, and led to the Aquatic Center in 1999. As an active member of the Isle La Motte, VT Historical Society, he used his architectural expertise to assist in the renovation of historic buildings. Sam's lifelong legacy of service will continue to positively impact many communities for years to come.

As a family man, Sam was a father to six children with his wife, Suanna, whose maternal skills made order and love in a home for so many strong, individual personalities - husband Sam and a house full of curious, energetic, kind kids. He encouraged all his children to have careers and each found their niche and have made their own mark in the world in education, science, technology, engineering, surveying, and government. Later in life, Sam re-connected with partner, Phyllis A. Satink, with whom he shared 20 years of adventurous travel, music, and a wonderful life in Vermont on Lake Champlain. Although life took him far and wide, Sam stayed involved with beloved brothers and sisters-in-law, Milton and Jeanette and David and Marlene, and numerous nieces and nephews back in Ohio.

In addition to Phyllis, his brothers, and their families, Sam is survived by his former wife, Suanna; children, Michele (Kevin) Reilly, Kathleen (David McSpadden) Alexander, Samuel VI (Theresa) Gibson, Christopher (Melissa) Gibson, and Daniel Gibson; and grandchildren, Thomas, Steven, Adam, Trystan, Samuel VII, Rowan, and Sage. Beloved daughter, Alesandra Ann Scholl, completed her earthly journey in 2020 and her spouse, Geoff Stothard, survives.

Sam's funeral will be 10 a.m. Saturday, March 9, 2024, at Engle-Shook Funeral Home & Crematory, Tiffin. Burial will follow at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery, Tiffin.

Memorial contributions may be made to charity of the donor's choice.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.shookfamilyfh.com.