Edward Gibbons

Edward F. Gibbons, 77, Topeka passed away Tuesday, January 19, 2010. Ed was born February 5th, in St. Louis, Missouri, the son of Hugh A. and Anastasia L. McCartney. He graduated from Saint Louis University in 1954. Ed, being drawn to a life of service to community, entered into twelve years of study with the Jesuits which included another three years of teaching at his alma mater, Saint Louis University High School. Ed then went to Cushing, Oklahoma where he was instrumental in the implementation and development of a secular retreat center. This time in his life was one of great self reflection and prayer. Ed decided to make a life change and take a position with Kansas Neurological Institute in Topeka, Kansas. During this time Ed had the good fortune to meet Frank McGrath who later recruited him to help lead the Capper Foundation. Ed served in a leadership position with Cappers for over thirty years. Ed further lived out his commitment to service by giving so generously of his time to friends, family and civic organizations. Ed was charter president of Topeka South Rotary and the clubs first Paul Harris Award recipient. He held the office of secretary/treasure and board member for Marketing Executives of Topeka Inc., he was a board member for Brewster Place, past president of the Knife and Fork Club, past president and member of Topeka Cosmopolitan Club, Director of Cerebral Palsy of Topeka, an officer of the Topeka Council on Philanthropy and National Society of Fund-raising. He was a member of Most Pure Heart of Mary Catholic Church and served on the Endowment Board. In retirement, Ed continued his passion for service and love for his community by honoring his son Tom as a board member for Sheltered Living and giving many hours of service to TARC. Survivors include his wife of forty years, Elida (DeRouen) Lamden Gibbons; children, Mark J. Lamden, his wife, Elizabeth and their son Miles, Kirkland Washington, Lori Lamden Roop, Fairway, Kansas and her son, John Avi Roop of Menlo Park, California, his nephews and many cousins. He was preceded in death by his beloved parents, brother, Hugh Gibbons and son, Tom Lamden. A parish rosary will be prayed at 5:30 p.m. on Friday, January 22, 2010 at Most Pure Heart of Mary Church 3601 SW 17th Topeka KS 66604 (17th and Stone). Visitation, at the church will follow the rosary until 7 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11a.m. Saturday January 23, 2010 at Most Pure Heart of Mary Church. A private inurnment will be held at Mount Calvary Cemetery. In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorial contributions to Most Pure Heart of Mary Foundation, Sheltered Living and TARC, sent in care of Kevin Brennan Family Funeral Home, 2801 SW Urish Rd, Topeka KS 66614.

Edward Gibbons

January 1, 1753 - January 19, 2010