Edgal Wayne Gibbons

Edgal Wayne Gibbons, 68, of Oklahoma City, passed away Friday, May 16, 2008 at his home. Edgal was born November 6, 1939, south of Cleveland in the community known as Dixie. He was the son of Melvin and Ruby (Thompson) Gibbons. Edgal was raised and attended school in Cleveland, graduating from Cleveland High School in 1957.

Shortly after graduation, Edgal was inducted into the service of his country in the United States Army, serving during the Vietnam war. Upon his honorable discharge in 1962, Edgal returned to Oklahoma, and began attending Oklahoma State University in Stillwater. While attending Oklahoma State, Edgal obtained an Associates Degree in Civil Engineering.

Upon completion of his education, Edgal began a career in the construction of airports, highways and interstates in Oklahoma. He accepted employment as a civil engineer for Hutchins, Thompson and Ball. Edgal was married to Marilyn Voss on May 27, 1978 in Tulsa, Oklahoma. The couple made their home in Oklahoma City where they raised their two sons, Lance and Shane. Edgal later accepted employment as a consulting engineer for MacArthur Associated Consultants, Ltd. in Oklahoma City. He worked in the transportation division of the company in airport and highway construction for nearly ten years.

Edgal was an active member of the Faternal Order of Free and Accpeted Masons for nearly fifty years. He was associated with the Hebron Lodge #215 of Cleveland, Oklahoma and the India Shrine in Oklahoma City where he served as a 32 Scottish Rite Mason. In addition to participating in his Masonic and Shrine related activities, Edgal's hobbies included playing golf and bowling. He would play golf at any opportunity; enjoying country clubs or small community courses as long as he could play.

On June 6, 2002, Edgal was given the gift of life when he received a heart transplant at the Transplant Center at Medical City Dallas Hospital. He continued to lead a productive and active life until recently when he was diagosed with cancer.

He is survived by his spouse, Marilyn Gibbons of the home;two sons, Lance Freeman of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma and Shane Freeman of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; five grandchildren, Dakota Freeman, Blaine Freeman, Stefanie Freeman, Kiersten Freeman, and Loren Warner; a sister, Kathryn Day of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma; two brothers, Travis Gibbons of Santa Maria, California and Amos Gibbons of Chandler, Arizona. He was preceded in death by his parents, Melvin Leo "Ikey" Gibbons and Ruby Mae Gibbons.

Funeral services will be held 2:00 pm Tuesday, May 20, 2008 at the Chapman-Black Funeral Home with Rev. Willie Lewis officiating. A Masonic service will also be conducted during the funeral service. Interment will follow at the Woodland Cemetery under the direction of the Chapman-Black Funeral Home.