Joe Travis Gibson, Jr.

Joe Travis Gibson, Jr. was born to Joe Travis Gibson, Sr. and Juanita Rigdon Gibson on October 4, 1938, in Amarillo, Texas and passed away peacefully in Clifton, Texas on October 11, 2024.

The son of a Baptist minister, Joe spent his early years in Fort Worth, New London and Brownwood, Texas and made friends everywhere he went. Joe was a gifted athlete and excelled in basketball, baseball and tennis. He was the senior class president of New London High School Class of 1956. He attended Howard Payne University (1956-1958) and Baylor University (1958-1960), graduating from Baylor with a Bachelor of Arts in History and English. He also attended Baylor School of Law. 

Joe married Jane Hooks in 1964 and they spent most of their 21-year marriage raising their family in Waco, Texas. Joe was a member of 7th and James Baptist Church in Waco for many years. He served on the Waco City Council from 1974-1978 and then served as a member of the Texas House of Representatives from 1979-1981. He continued serving in Austin as Senior Staff Member for Speaker Bill Clayton in 1981. Joe acquired professional licenses in real estate, law, insurance and multiple securities.

Above all, Joe loved his children, grandchildren and his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Joe loved to sing hymns from the Baptist Hymnal, coach Little League baseball and soccer, attend his daughter’s piano recitals and be a part of the family activity of the moment. He played tennis throughout his lifetime and at 80 years old could still be seen on the tennis court with his brother, David. Joe loved watching Tom Landry coach the Dallas Cowboys and Grant Teaff coach the Baylor Bears and was a fan of all Baylor sports. 

Joe had a true servant’s heart and would have given the shirt off of his back to anyone in need. He asked for nothing in return. He always had a kind word of encouragement and faithfully kept in touch with many lifelong friends. 

Joe was preceded in death by both parents, Travis and Juanita Gibson.

He is survived by his three children, ToniKay Osgood (John), Joe T. Gibson III (Christy), and Scott Gibson (Marie), and by his brother, David Lee Gibson (Jan). Also, by his grandchildren Abby Osgood, Ben Osgood (Jill), Miles Gibson, and Beau Gibson.

Additionally, Joe is survived by nephews Davey Gibson (Jordan) and John Gibson (Amanda), great nephews Will Gibson and Jack Gibson, and cousins Virga Lea Oliver, Patty Sundbeck and Sheryl Prater.

The family wishes to thank the staff at Willow Park Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Clifton, Texas for their loving, attentive and respectful care of our father this past year.

Memorials in Joe’s memory can be made to the Heart of Texas Baptist Encampment in Brownwood, Texas or the West Rusk Alumni Association (formerly London Ex-Students Association) PO Box 122 New London, Texas 75682 (memo: London Memorial Scholarship).

Family invites you to share a message or memory of Joe’s on his “tribute wall” at www.WHBfamily.com