Frederick “Fred” Joseph Gibbs was born on April 3, 1948, to Mary Suzanna (Zoellner) and William E. Gibbs Sr. in St. Louis, Missouri, and departed this life April 21, 2022, in St. Louis. He joined his wife, Joyce Sandra “Sandy” Gibbs, in heaven, most likely at a quaint tavern, and we are sure she saved a good barstool for him, one near the shuffleboard table. He’s also with his parents, his brother Bill, and his sister Mary Ann. The party must be enormous. He leaves behind two loving daughters, Katie Davis and Amy (Michael) Zlatic, three grandchildren upon whom he doted: Joey Brett, Zoe Zlatic, and Emma Davis, and his beloved dog, Truman. He also leaves behind one sister, Teresa, two brothers, Jim and Tony (Pheobe), and numerous nieces and nephews.
Fred had a distinct knack for enjoying life to the fullest, as evidenced by his being expelled from three or four high schools both Catholic and public (we were never able to pin down exactly how many) before earning his GED and enlisting in the Army. He spent time in Korea during the Vietnam War, which did nothing more than instill in him a distinct dislike of Asian food, even the Americanized version. Wouldn’t even try it. After the Army, he completed operating engineers training and joined the union, Local 513, before spending his career with Taylor Excavating. From the school bus perched precariously on the rooftop of the City Museum to the scoreboard and foul poles in the latest iteration of Busch Stadium, he touched so many local buildings and monuments throughout his storied career. Fred once left his own surprise birthday party when pressed into service to save the riverboats downtown during a flood; his crane moved all the gangplanks as the waters rapidly rose proving that even working in what had to be a preoccupied state (he left behind dozens of friends and family to take the call), he was the best damn operator in the region.
He was the kind of man who served others selflessly and with humility. With young children at home and a snowstorm upon St. Louis, he called every neighbor in our valley subdivision and took orders for groceries and diapers, taking his four-wheel-drive truck in and out to shop and deliver needed supplies before strapping on a snowplow and earning money to support his family during the lean winter months of the construction trade. Then he’d come home and tie sleds to the back bumper and pull kids around the subdivision. He once brought home a go-kart and turned the backyard into a dirt oval, much to the dismay of his wife and the delight of his children. He could fix anything, and usually had parts left over when he was finished. He read constantly and watched the early morning news daily, making him the smartest man in the world to his children. Later in life, he took up the game of golf, and if you’d like an indication of how he and his buddies played, please watch The Three Stooges episode “Three Little Beers,” which he also loved. His daughters know he was the best dad who was always there for them and already miss him tremendously.
The best way to honor Fred’s memory is to enjoy an ice-cold Stag beer and hug your family. Tell them you love them, often. Call them to make sure they made it home safely and remind them constantly to check the locks on their doors and windows.
If you would like to make a donation in Fred’s name, please support the Alzheimer’s Association at alz.org. Even though he didn’t have Alzheimer’s, he suffered through all of its devastating effects with Sandy’s diagnosis, decline, and death.
Funeral at Kutis South County Chapel 5255 Lemay Ferry Rd on Wednesday, April 27, 12:30 p.m. Interment J.B. National Cemetery with full Honors. Visitation, Tuesday 4-8 p.m.
We are so sorry for your loss. If you need anything please let us know. We are thinking of you and your family always.
Sorry for your loss Katie. Sounds like an amazing man. Prayers for you and your family
Fredrick Gibbs was an amazing man. I am one of his grandkids friends. He was not of my blood in any way but he was like a grandpa to me. He always loved and cared for me and asked about me when he was in the hospital and nursing home. We will always remember Fred!
Katie is my best friend. I’ve known Fred since 2001, and from the moment I met him, he made me feel like part of the family. I have so many wonderful memories of times I spent with Katie, Fred, Sandy and the whole family. The times we would eat at “the diner” with them are some of the best memories of my life. We always had so much fun! Fred was like my adopted dad and more of a grandpa to my son than his own grandpa. He treated Evan like his own grandkid. I will miss Fred’s sense of humor. He always made me, and everyone else, laugh. This is a great loss to so many and he will be forever missed, but he will always live in our hearts. We love you Fred! ❤️
So sorry for your family’s loss. My you feel the presence of our God wrap his arms around you during the difficult time.
Dad.. your life was a blessing, you memory a treasure. You are loved beyond words and missed beyond measure. ❤
Lynn and I are so sorry for your loss. We loved being neighbors to Fred and Sandy and had many great times together, sometimes at their pool, dining out at various restaurants, vacationing together at the lake, riding our Harleys, golfing or just sitting in the driveway having cocktails together and solving the world’s problems. Fred and I enjoyed getting together for many breakfast or lunch outings after Sandy’s passing. He will indeed be missed. RIP my friend.
Katie and family we are so sorry for your loss. We love you.
What a lovely tribute to your dad. He sounds like a gem and that they just don’t make
em like that anymore. I’m so sorry for your loss.
Katie, I’m so sad for your loss. Although I only met Fred twice I feel like I knew him because you always talked-about him He was well loved and admired. I know he was a great dad to you
We will miss him forever.