Larry “Patches” Cecil Gibson, 68, El Dorado Springs, was born on May 5, 1942, in Lindsay, CA, to Laurence and Leedith Mae (Eason) Gibson. He passed away Sept. 26, 2010, after a short battle with liver cancer.
He joined the Army in 1965 and served for four years.
Most of Larry’s life was spent in California before moving to Cedar County in 1996.
He worked odd jobs mostly until he found employment at the V.I.P. Restaurant in El Dorado Springs where he leaves so many friends and customers to mourn his passing.
Patches, as he was known to all who cared about him, will always be remembered for the many wonderful meals that he provided to customers that meant so much to him. His signature eye patch, white shirt, black ties, puttering scooter and his friendly attitude will be missed but not forgotten by any who knew him.
Larry was preceded in death by his parents.
He is survived by his sister, Shirley; and a daughter, Rhonda McKeiney, both of Porterville, CA. He is also survived by a son, Brian Gibson, whose whereabouts are unknown; and his co-workers who respected him so much – Teresa Rash, Connie Fleener and John Glen – from El Dorado Springs; the coffee drinkers that will miss their first cup; a host of friends and customers he cherished so much; and his special friend, Pennie Eason, who helped him in his last days and who he once asked, “Just give me a chance.”
Always wanting to help, Patches chose to donate his remains to research of the disease that took his life. Afterwards he will be cremated and his ashes spread where he called home.
A memorial service will begin at 2 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 30, in the Methodist Church at Kirkpatrick and Broadway in El Dorado Springs with Rev. Patty Smith and Rev. Brent Bland officiating.
