Bennie Gibbs

Bennie Gibbs, 84, of Du Quoin, passed away at 11:45 a.m., Sunday, July 21, 2013 at the Marshall Browning Hospital in Du Quoin.

Bennie had been Manager at Kroger's for 38 years. He was a member of the First Baptist Church in Du Quoin. Bennie had been Sunday School Superintendent for 40 years and was a church deacon. He was a U.S. Army veteran of the Korean War and had served in the Airborne Division. He was a 60-year member of the American Legion Post 127 in Murphysboro.

He was born June 25, 1929 at Pomona, Ill., the son of Bennie O. and Mable H. (Davis) Gibbs.

He married Serena Wilmouth on June 14, 1948 at Jonesboro, Ark. and she survives.

He is survived by his wife of Du Quoin, one son - Benjie Gibbs and wife June of Du Quoin, one daughter - Kellie Swayne and husband Andy of Du Quoin, one sister - Avis McDaniel of Leesburg, Fla., seven grandchildren - Philip Gibbs and Ericka Atkins, Jason Gibbs, Holly Eubanks and Cody, Caleb Swayne, Ben Swayne, Spenser Swayne and Madison Swayne, five great grandchildren - Ryan Gibbs, Garrett Gibbs, Lylee Gibbs, Riley Atkins, Keira Gibbs, one great grandson due in November and three special grandchildren - Elizabeth Hughes, David Rose and David Gaytan.

He was preceded in death by his parents and one son - Keith Gibbs.

Funeral services will be at 10:00 a.m., Friday, July 26, 2013 at the Searby Funeral Home in Du Quoin with Rev. Charles Smith officiating.

Friends may call from 5 to 8 p.m., Thursday at the Searby Funeral Home in Du Quoin.

Burial will be in the Dutch Ridge Cemetery at Carbondale, Ill.

Military graveside rites will be conducted by the Murphysboro American Legion Post 127.

Friends may make memorials to the American Cancer Society or First Baptist Church in Du Quoin and will be accepted at the funeral home.

For additional information or to sign the memorial guest register, please visit www.searbyfuneralhomes.com.