Hoyt Edwin Gibson of Bay City, Texas, passed away on Friday, May 1, 2026, in Houston, surrounded by his loving family. He was born in Wharton, Texas, on October 22, 1968, to Maxine Ashcraft Gibson and the late Neal E. Gibson.

Growing up in Sugar Valley, with family and friends always close by, Hoyt attended Van Vleck schools from first through twelfth grade. Outgoing, friendly, and charismatic, he formed lifelong friendships everywhere he went.

As one of the younger grandchildren of John and Mary Ashcraft and Eleanor and E.A. Gibson, Hoyt was constantly surrounded by a large, loving family. They adored him, thought him the most beautiful child, and delighted in watching him play alongside his many cousins. The sweetness and charm he showed as a young boy grew into a life marked by kindness, compassion, and a vibrant personality. In true middle-child fashion, he built especially strong bonds with friends, often considering them family.

Hoyt was a proud employee of Phillips 66, where he was well respected and genuinely liked by his coworkers. His manager described him as dependable, someone who showed up on time, did the job right the first time, and was simply an all-around great person.

Hoyt was a handsome man, with striking blue eyes and a twinkling smile, but his greatest qualities were his care for others and the way he made life better for those around him. For the past 15 years, he lived with and lovingly cared for his mother. She and his brothers will miss him deeply. One of the greatest honors of his life was to guide and influence the children of his former wife, Tricia—they loved him dearly, and he loved them in return. Hoyt made the world a better place.

Hoyt is survived by his mother; his brother, Eric Gibson and his wife Susan, his brother John Gibson; his children Christopher McLeod and his wife Kelsie, Cade McLeod, his wife Jess and their children Colton and Bridger, Kaitlyn Martin and her husband Chris Martin and their children Cooper and Bennett Martin; his favorite niece, Hollie Gibson Wood and her husband Adam and their children Lorelei and Riker, his nephews, Chad Picard and his wife Jessie and their son Jaxon Sanger-Picard, Trey Picard and his wife Erica and their children Marlee Ann Picard and John Claud Picard IV (JC); his late father’s wife, Patricia, and a host of Gibson and Ashcraft cousins and dear friends. His father, his grandparents, and his nephew, Jake Picard, preceded him in death.

The family will receive family and friends for visitation from 5 – 7 PM on Monday, May 11, 2026, at Taylor Bros. Funeral Home in Bay City. The funeral service will be 2:00 PM on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, at the First Methodist Church in Bay City with Reverend Craig Ashcraft officiating. Interment will follow at Roselawn Memorial Park in Van Vleck. Pallbearers are Kelly Buchanan, Dwayne Smallwood, Jay Hubbard, Ryan Ashcraft, Taylor Ashcraft and Matthew Ashcraft. Honorary pallbearers are Berry Dean, Jase Ashcraft, Jason & Frank Weathers, Josh Bullock, Tag Anderson and Gordon McMinn.

Online condolences may be shared with the family by visiting www.taylorbros.net