Robert Dennis Gibas

Robert Dennis Gibas of Fairgrove, age 74, passed away on Saturday, December 5, 2020 at Autumnwood Senior Living in Deckerville, following a period of declining health. Bob was born September 5, 1946 in Bay City, the son of the late Frank & Mary Gibas. He attended St. James School in Bay City before graduating from St. Johns High School in Essexville. Bob would later enroll at Delta College where he studied psychology. Prior to completing his studies, he enlisted with the U.S. Marine Corps and volunteered to serve in Vietnam. His service there was short-lived, however, as he was injured falling into a punji trap, sending him back stateside. Although his time in Vietnam was brief, the effects of the war and Agent Orange stayed with him until his death. In May of 1993, Bob received a heart transplant after suffering a stroke, and he was plagued by several other health issues through the years. Feeling as though he was on borrowed time, Bob spent his years watching his grandsons grow, going to NASCAR weekends and hockey games with family, and movies with his best friend, Rick Van Wert. He was also a member of the Fairgrove and Caro V.F.W., the Marine Corps League in Bay City and Saginaw, and the Devil Dogs of Flint where he was honored to render a final salute to countless veterans. Bob was united in marriage with Brenda Osborn on January 6, 1968 and spent twenty-five years with Saginaw Steering Gear. For over thirty years, Bob and Brenda traveled to Florida for weeks at a time and were able to travel with their daughter, son-in-law, and grandsons on several occasions. When his grandsons were able to travel with him to Florida, Bob would always be sure to visit the NASCAR stores in Mooresville, a visit the kids loved almost as much as Bob did. He also enjoyed traveling with his grandsons to Frankenmuth during Christmas time. One of Bob's proudest moments was watching his grandson, Logan, graduate from boot camp and become a U.S. Marine. He was also blessed to meet and hold the hand of his great-grandson, who he desperately wanted to spoil. His love of family, country and God will be his legacy carried for generations. Bob is survived by his loving wife, Brenda, of Fairgrove; his daughter and her husband, Debra & Rick Zamora of Akron; grandson, Logan & Codi Zamora; great-grandson, Ezra Nathaniel Zamora; siblings and their spouses, William & Martha Gibas of Grayling, Fred & Theresa Gibas of Bay City, Jack & Donna Gibas of Commerce; Mary & Ken Kusterer of Bay City; and his beloved Marine brothers and sisters. In addition to his parents, Bob was preceded in death by a grandson, Nathaniel Zamora; and in-laws, Ted & Helen Osborn. Bob's family will be present to receive friends on Wednesday, December 9, 2020 from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. at the Ransford Collon Funeral Home in Caro. Private services will follow with burial at a later date in Great Lakes National Cemetery in Holly. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorial contributions to the Gibas Family Discretionary Fund, c/o Brenda Gibas, 205 West Sherman Street, Caro, MI 48723. The family was assisted with these arrangements by the Ransford Collon Funeral Home of Caro. Visitation Information Date: Wednesday, December 9, 2020 Time: 11:00 am End Time: 1:00 pm Ransford Collon Funeral Home Address: 989-673-2175 | Map Bob's family will be present to receive friends on Wednesday, December 9, 2020 from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. at the Ransford Collon Funeral Home in Caro.