Morris “Hoot” Gibson

Morris “Hoot” Gibson

January 14, 1923 – May 18, 2021

 

Morris “Hoot” Gibson, was born January 14^th, 1923 in Grove, Oklahoma to W.D. and Mabel Gibson. Growing up during the Great Depression, Hoot naturally spent much of his time helping in the family’s dry-goods store, Gibson Mercantile, one of the only places to get supplies at the time. This was formative and sparked his enthusiasm for business at an early age. He understood quickly that a good business is more than just about profit; that success stems from helping your community and your neighbors.

After graduating from high school Hoot took junior college classes in Miami, OK. He loved playing the trumpet and performed with dance bands around the area for several years. He enrolled at the University of Oklahoma and was a proud member of Sigma Nu, enjoying fraternity life to the fullest. His college days were put on hold during World War II, when he joined and proudly served in the Marine Corps. After the war, he returned to Norman and graduated with a degree in history. He married Charlotte Rupe and the newlywed couple moved to New York City while Hoot pursued a Masters Degree in Retailing at New York University.

After graduation, a few years were spent working on oil rigs before returning to Oklahoma to finally put his retail skills to work, opening McCall’s Men’s Clothing Store in downtown Edmond in 1953. Hoot and Charlotte welcomed three children, Cheryl, Steve and Janet. The family became deeply involved in every aspect of Edmond. Their business prospered, growing right along with the town. Deep and strong friendships were formed throughout the years.

Drawing on those early experiences at his family’s store, Hoot was determined to be more than a local merchant; he saw the good that could be accomplished during hard times and tied his own success to that of downtown Edmond. Among his many services to the community, Hoot was active with the Edmond Chamber of Commerce, on city boards, and was on the board of Citizens Bank of Edmond for almost 50 years. He created the popular annual “Krazy Daze” event in Edmond. Serving on the Edmond Parks Board, he pushed for and was instrumental in building Kickingbird Golf Course.

His service was so appreciated by his friends and neighbors that in 2018 the Downtown Merchants Association began presenting the Hoot Gibson Award. The award is given to others who exemplify Downtown Edmond the way Hoot did for so many years. He was inducted into the Edmond Hall of Fame and received the President’s Award from the Edmond Chamber of Commerce.

After Charlotte’s death, Hoot found love once more and married Marilyn Mitchell Meacham. A man from a big family himself, he naturally opened his arms to welcome her daughters Jo and Jeanne and their families as his own, and they built and shared a life of admiration and adventure. Always traveling, dancing and enjoying their life together.

Hoot passed on May 18, 2021 at age 98 (“I’m almost 100!” he liked to say.) He was preceded in death by Charlotte, his parents, three brothers, and a sister. He is survived by his wife Marilyn and his large and loving family; Cheryl Benson and husband Larry, Steve Gibson and wife Lezli, Janet Hoppe and husband Dyke, Jo Meacham and Russell Pace and Jeanne Snider and husband Kerby; grandchildren Adrienne, Alex, Abby, Bert, Justin, Cori, Jay and Reed. He was proud of all 10 great grandchildren.

A friend to all he met, a man with deeply held moral character, Hoot possessed the incredible ability to make a person feel seen, heard and important. He was, and will always be, remembered as a man among men; warm, generous, honorable, whip-smart, funny, thoughtful, kind and always looking quite dapper. Above all the impressive accomplishments of his nearly 100 years of life, he will be remembered by his friends and family for one thing above all; He was a true gentleman.

A “Celebration of Life” will be held Wednesday, May 26 in downtown Edmond at Venue 102
94 West 1^st Street from 4:00 – 7:00

Private burial at Memorial Park Cemetery