Willis Lorenzo Gibson Jr

Willis Lorenza Gibson Jr., 62, of Springfield, MO passed away on September 29th, 2017 as a result of a car/pedestrian accident in Belton, TX. Willis, who was known as ""Junior"" to his family, loved ones and friends was born on February 5th, 1955 to parents, Willis Lorenza Gibson Sr. and Lorena Helen Gibson also of Springfield. Junior grew up on South New and attended McGregor Elementary, Jarrett Jr. High and Parkview High School. After high school, he joined the United States Marine Corps following in the footsteps of his older brothers; Willard Rex Tooley, Roy Leon Tooley and Billy Ray Tooley and also served for a time in the United States Air Force. Junior was a crack shot with a rifle and earned marksmanship awards while in the military. Junior is best remembered by those that knew and loved him for his big smile, affable and amenable spirit, love of the outdoors and nature as well as his love and familiarity with animals of every stripe. As a youth, it was not uncommon for Junior to show up at home with stray dogs, cats, owls, monkeys, pigeons, white rats, iguanas, snakes, birds or whatever he happened to come across in some fashion that may have been injured, abandoned or unwanted by previous owners. Junior just had a way with nature it seemed. While he had been off the grid for quite sometime and lost to family as well, Junior was still loved dearly by his friends, family and those who knew him. After becoming aware of his passing recently in Texas, arrangements are being made by the family to have his remains returned to Springfield. Junior was preceded in death by his father and mother, Willis and Lorena Gibson and by his two older brothers, Rex and Roy Tooley. He is survived by one older brother, Billy Tooley (Christine), two older sisters, Darlene Lovejoy and Violet Carter, two younger brothers, Roger and Russell Gibson (Renee) and many nieces, nephews and cousins. For those wishing to pay their respects, a small memorial service will be held at Walnut Lawn Funeral Home at a date to be announced. Interment will follow at Brookline Cemetery in Brookline, MO which is also the final resting place of his brother, Rex Tooley (Wanda), Roy Tooley and brother-in-law, Tom Carter. His care is entrusted to Walnut Lawn Funeral Home, Ltd. DeGraffenreid-Wood Crematory. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Willis Lorenzo Gibson Jr please visit our Sympathy Store.