RAPID RIVER - Edwin F. "Mike" Gibbons, 89, of the Tender Care Nursing Home in Munising (formerly of Rapid River), passed away Friday afternoon, Sept. 18, 2009.

Edwin was born Jan. 6, 1920, in Bellaire, Mich., the son of Edwin and LuLu (Riley) Gibbons. He was raised in Kalkaska, Mich., where he entered the CCC's and later the U.S. Marine Corps.

Mike's military duty included combat action in Guadalcanal in the Asiatic Pacific Theater. He was awarded the Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal, World War II Victory Medal, American Defense Service Medal, Combat Action Medal, Bronze Star and the Presidential Unit Citation Ribbon.

Mike was united to the former Bethel M. Culliton on Feb. 19, 1943. Bethel preceded him in death on April 2, 2005, following 62 years of marriage. Mike was a lifelong U.P. resident mainly living in Delta County and Trenary. Mike was proud to be a roofer most of his working life.

Mike as a member of the Gladstone American Legion August Mattson Post 71 and he was the founding member of the U.P. Detachment Marine Corp's League. His hobbies included fishing, camping, and spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren.

Survivors include: four sons, Tom (Connie) Gibbons of Rapid River, Pat Gibbons of Cornell, Bob (Mary) Gibbons of Christmas, Mike Gibbons of Arizona.; daughter, Sandy Gibbons of Gladstone; brother, Pat (Denise) Gibbons of Kissimmee, Fla.; sister, Berta Hatley of Kalkaska, Mich.; 11 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

In addition to his parents and wife Bethel, Mike was preceded in death by three brothers, Carl, Don and Ward; and three sisters, Winifred, Linda and Clara Mae.

Mike's family will receive friends on Wednesday Sept. 23, from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Skradski Funeral Home in Gladstone. Military rites conducted by Gladstone American Legion Post 71 will follow at 6 p.m. Following military services, family members will share some memories of Mike. Luncheon will follow at the Gladstone American Legion Post.

Military graveside services will be held on Thursday at 10 a.m. at the Gardens of Rest Cemetery in Wells. Please visit www.skradski-boycefuneralhomes.com where you can express your sympathy to the Gibbons family, or to leave a memory tribute about Mike.

He lived a life to be proud of. My deepest condolences to his family and friends.

Semper Fidelis