James Leo Gibson, Sr. "Papa" Funeral service for James Leo "Hoot" Gibson, Sr. 84, of Marshall will be held 10:00 a.m., Saturday, September 8, 2012 in the Chapel of Downs Funeral Home with Bro. Dick Sawyer and Bro. Rocky Burrow officiating. Interment will follow in Colonial Gardens Cemetery. A time of visitation was held 6:00-8:00 p.m., Friday, September 7, 2012 at Downs Funeral Home. Mr. Gibson passed away September 6, 2012 in Longview. Leo Gibson was born September 11, 1927 in Rusk County, TX to Bernice Lee and Anna Lou McAnally Gibson. Mr. Gibson was a graduate of Marshall High School, and then joined the U S Army Air Corps. Upon returning, Leo married to Mary Francis Watson on July 18, 1947. They were happily married for 59 years. He worked for Kansas City Southern Railroad, retiring after 47 years. Mr. Gibson was a member and deacon of Second Baptist Church. He also served as Sunday School teacher. Mr. Gibson enjoyed catfishing, hunting and enjoyed cooking fish. He enjoyed gardening and spending time with his grandchildren and great grandchildren. To his grandchildren, he was lovingly known as "Papa". Mr. Gibson was a kind and gentle man who was always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone who needed help. Mr. Gibson is preceded in death by his wife, Frankie on December 28, 2006. Mr. Gibson is survived by his sons, Jimmy and Nancy Gibson, Glen and Rene Gibson, all of Marshall; his grandchildren include Lesley and Tony Glanton, of Marshall, Leanne and Neal Hornaday of Ft. Worth, Amanda and Jacob Oney of Woodlawn, David Glen Gibson, jr. of Marshall; great grandchildren, Bailey Elizabeth and Ella Grace Glanton of Marshall; sister-in-law, Reba Joyce Bassett of Daingerfield and nephew, Steve and Susie Bassett of Avinger. Pallbearers will be E.D. Rhea, Bill Abraham, Dave Simmons, Robert Tatum, Dwight Elardo, Bill Parrish, and Joel Bartlett. Honorary pallbearers will be David Glen Gibson, Jr., Neal Hornaday, Tony Glanton and Jacob Oney.