Ted Wayne Gibson, long-time Tryon, Oklahoma resident was born May 16, 1934, in Douglas, Oklahoma and was welcomed to his heavenly home on October 15, 2015.

He was a man who lived for his Lord and for his fellowman, one who was willing to lend a hand to anyone who asked, one who was a shepherd to his community, one who will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Ted was the son of Wayne and Mabel Baker Gibson.

His early life was spent on the West Coast. He graduated high school from Victorville, California and attended San Jose Bible College. In college, Ted became a member of a quartet, The Harmonaires, which traveled the country. It was during one of these tours while performing at the Christian Union Church in Douglas, Oklahoma, in 1958 that Ted met Margaret Jones. Less than two years later, on February 21, 1960, Reverend H. I. Jones, Margaret’s Father, united Ted and Margaret in marriage at that same church. After their marriage, they moved to California where Ted worked as an associate pastor at the Crenshaw Christian Church in Los Angeles. He completed his college degree from Cal Poly, while Margaret taught in the local school districts. He also played and refereed collegiate soccer and operated a lawn care business on the side. After living in California for ten years, they moved for their last time to the family homestead north of Tryon where they remained the rest of their lives. Ted began his life as teacher, administrator, pastor, farmer and friend to all.

Ted started his teaching career at Tryon Elementary where he taught 7th and 8th grade and coached 5th through 8th grade. Within a few years, he became the Elementary Principal there and remained at that post until he transferred to teach at the Perkins-Tryon Middle School. During the many years that Ted was in education, he was a significant role model for young people. His kind manner and gentle nature coupled with his love for others made a lasting difference in the lives of many, many young people. At almost the same time that Ted began his teaching career, he also began his ministry in the Christian Union Church. He was the pastor for Penn Avenue Christian Union, Church in Oklahoma City and also Douglas Christian Union, then served as the Minister of Tryon Christian Union for over 30 year active in all areas of ministry – from preaching to teaching, Bible School and Church Camps, Bible Studies and local outreach programs as well as being available to the community at all times. Ted also was instrumental in the state leadership of Christian Union serving a leadership role in the STACUP Project as well as offices, including President, of the State Council.

Words are inadequate to express the influence and blessing Ted was to all who knew him. His life was lived always as a testimony to the Lord he loved. Ted Gibson was truly a man of God.

His parents and wife, Margaret preceded him in death.

He is survived by a brother, Norm Gibson of Oregon, two daughters and sons-in-law, Amy and David Bethea of Claremore, Oklahoma and Jodi and John Williams of Claremore, two sons and daughters-in-law, John and Tammy Gibson of Tryon, Oklahoma, and James and Lawanta Ramsey of Perkins, Oklahoma, thirteen grandchildren, David Jr., Will, and Joe, Bethea and John III, Ben and Jack Williams, Evan, Ethan and Ella Gibson, James Eric, Jace, Jamee and Jaxson Ramsey, as well as many, many friends.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, October 24, 2015, at Tryon Christian Union Church with Reverend’s Steven Grotheer and Robert Stewart officiating.

Burial will follow at Tryon Cemetery.

Services are under the direction of Parks Brothers Funeral Home.