Earl Gibbens, 92, of Sugar Valley passed away Tuesday, April 25, 2006 at his home. He was born January 26, 1914 in Bates, Arkansas to the late Bud and Casey Gibbens. Earl was a lifetime resident of Sugar Valley, a cattleman, and a child of God. He received the Outstanding Community Service Award from the Seabreeze Care Center in April of 2004, The Certificate of Service that God has called him into the Ministry in September of 1999, and The Volunteer of the Year from Bay Villa Healthcare Center in June of 1999. Earl's greatest gift to mankind was his relentless passion for passing on the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Survivors include his wife of 74 Years: Mary Burrows Gibbens; 3 daughters: Ann Blackmon, Jean Talafuse and Bonnie Heidrich & husband Buddy; 1 brother: Don Gibbens; 16 grandchildren: Kelly Blackmon Ross, Debbie Gibbens, Paula Blackmon, Ramona Gibbens, Shanda Heidrich Maxey, Stacia Heidrich Murry, Mary Blackmon Amick, Richard Gibbens, Jr., Glenda Backman, Darrel Heidrich, Connie Blackmon, Nora Talafuse, Sheryl Bell, Jackie Gibbens, Rocky Gibbens, and Vicky Talafuse; 34 great grandchildren and 8 great great grandchildren; also Rev. Donald & Sarah Reed son & daughter in Christ. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by 2 sons: Richard and Jack William Gibbens; 1 granddaughter: Robin Gibbens; 2 sisters: Gladys Hamilton and Marlene Hazelwood; 3 brothers: Elbert, Clyde, and Truworth Gibbens.

The Family will receive visitors from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM Wednesday, April 26, 2006 at Taylor Bros. Funeral Home. A Funeral Service will be held 10:00 AM Thursday, April 27, 2006 at the Golden Avenue Baptist Church with Rev. Donald Reed officiating. Interment will follow at Roselawn Memorial Park in Van Vleck. Pallbearers will be Charles Reed, Louis Sloey, Curtis Dykes, Truett Farris, Art Martinez, and Doyle McGehee. Memorials may be made to the Open Door Ministries, P.O. Box 4259, Sargent, TX 77414, Hospice of El Campo, P.O. Box 1417, El Campo, TX 77437, or the youth Fund of Golden Ave. Baptist Church. Arrangements with Taylor Bros. Funeral Home 245-4613.