Charles Edward Gibbs, age 72 of Malvern, died at his home on Sunday morning, September 20, 2015. He was born in Little Rock on October 26, 1942 to the late John Holland Gibbs and Eugenia Keith Gibbs. Reared and receiving his early education in Malvern, he later graduated from Henderson State Teachers College (now Henderson State University) with a Bachelor of Arts Degree, with emphasis in accounting. He worked at Malvern National Bank just out of college, and then began a 35 year career with Mid State Construction (currently Martin-Marietta), retiring in 2004. From 2006 to 2013 he served as treasurer for First United Methodist Church, where he was a life-long member. He attended the Gladwin Connell Sunday School Class.

He bought a cattle farm in 1967, which he still operated, and made it his family's home. Charles played golf and tennis for many years, and loved spending time with family and friends at Brady Mountain on Lake Ouachita, where he enjoyed riding on the water in his houseboat. A true family man, celebrating birthdays and holidays with them was a joy for him. A longtime member of the Lions Club, he relished serving as Tail-Twister. He always looked forward to placing American flags around the community and selling coloring books for children.

Charles was the loving husband of Elaine McPhearson Gibbs, to whom he was married on December 7, 1968 at First United Methodist Church.

He is survived by his wife, Elaine; by his son Johnny and his wife Julie Gibbs of Malvern; his daughter Deann and her husband Mark Balisterri of Benton; his grandchildren, Jayci, Jacob, Brooks, and Bailey; and his niece and her husband, Johni Beth and Jeremy Teague, and their son Tripp.

The family will receive friends at J. A. Funk Funeral Home on Wednesday evening, September 23, 2015, from six until eight o'clock. The funeral will be held on Thursday morning at ten o'clock in the sanctuary of First United Methodist Church with Reverend LaVon Post officiating. Interment will follow in Rockport Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be: Jim Kimzey, Michael Chance, Lance Walters, Dennis Prince, Red Bianchi, Chris Walthall, John Haley, and Lew Waniewski.

Honorary pallbearers are: Wilburn Cox, Dr. Shawn Purifoy, and Dr. David Griffin.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are requested to First United Methodist Church, Malvern, or to the Harvest of Hope, 127 East Page Avenue, Malvern, Arkansas 72104.

Online condolences may be sent via jafunkfuneralhome.com.