BELFAST – Merlon E. Gibbs of Belfast, husband of Lorraine M. Gibbs, went home to be with the Lord April 22, 2006, at a Belfast hospital. He was born May 21, 1932, in Brooks, the son of Elva Gibbs. He attended Brooks schools. Merlon drove tractor-trailer for more than 20 years for Mollison’s and Maplewood of Belfast. He also drove school bus for SAD No. 34 for many years. He started his own businesses, Gibbs Auto Sales and Muffler Shop and Gibbs Trailer Park, which he operated for more than 30 years. Merlon regularly attended Faith Temple Church of God. He was married to Elwanda Salter Bailey from 1967 until her death in 1994. In 1996, he married the former Lorraine Moody Tripp. Merlon is survived by his wife of 10 years, Lorraine; three sons, Meldon “Crow” Gibbs, Leroy Gibbs and Ricky Gibbs; two daughters, Debbie Burns and Marilyn Carmen; two stepsons, Bert Bailey of Swanville and Jeffrey Tripp of Belfast; two stepdaughters, Wanda McLean of Arizona and Julie Tripp of Massachusetts; three sisters, Eleanor DeGraff, Donna Bradford and husband, Alton “Bud” and Sandra Smith; 18 grandchildren; numerous great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends as well as a special friend, Tara Lee Webster. He was predeceased by a granddaughter, Kristi Gibbs. Friends and family may call 6-8 p.m. Monday, April 24, at Crabiel-Riposta Funeral Home, 182 Waldo Ave., Belfast. Funeral services will be held 1 p.m. Tuesday at Faith Temple Church of God, Lincolnville Avenue, Belfast with Bishop Charles Hall officiating. Burial will take place at Grove Cemetery in Belfast. Those who wish may make donations in Merlon’s memory to Soul’s Harbor, P.O. Box 295, Corinth, ME 04427.
MERLON E. GIBBS
