Vernon "Hoot" Gibson, 95, of Hilldale passed away Sunday, December 10, 2023 at his home following a long illness.

Born September 3, 1928 at Kayford Mountain in Kanawha County, he was the son of the late Preston and Sylvia "Dulcie" Stanley Gibson.

He worked as a coal miner for many years and was a member of the UMWA. Vernon was a member of the Boone Masonic Lodge #162 AF&AM, Hilldale Ruritan Club and enjoyed hunting, fishing, woodworking, painting, and was well known for his storytelling and jokes.

Besides his parents he was preceded in death by his granddaughter, Jana Dawson, one brother, Virgil Dempsey Gibson, and two sisters, Vonda Castle and Verna Jones.

Those left to cherish his memory include his wife of 77 years, Zelda Fields Gibson; three daughters, Georgeanna Leake and husband David, Diana Leffew and husband Frank, and Darla Stapleton and husband Luther; ten grandchildren, Tommy, April, Michelle, Shawn, Chris, Luther, Vernon, Austin, Michael, and Stacy; twenty-one great grandchildren and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Funeral services will be held 12:00 pm Thursday, December 14, 2023 at the Ronald Meadows Funeral Parlors Chapel with Pastor Eddie Crews officiating. Burial will follow in the Montgomery Memorial Park at London, WV. Friends may call from 11:00 am until time of services on Thursday at the funeral parlors.

Grandsons and family members will serve as pallbearers.

Arrangements are by the Ronald Meadows Funeral Parlors of Hinton.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.ronaldmeadowsfp.com