Earl Leroy Gibson, 71, of Portland, Ind., died Aug. 29, 2006, at Lutheran Hospital, Fort Wayne, Ind.

He was born Sept. 21, 1934, in Portland, to Roy and Lucile Robinson Gibson. On March 14, 1953, he married Darlene F. Rich, who survives.

Also surviving are a son, Gene (Elaine), Goshen, Ind., and a daughter, Deb Haffner, Elkhart, Ind.; two brothers, Bill and Larry, both of Portland; a sister, Patsy Mock, also of Portland; and four grandchildren.

He retired in 1997 from the former New Idea plant in Coldwater, and was a carpenter and craftsman by trade.

Services are 1 p.m. Friday at Baird-Freeman Funeral Home in Portland, the Rev. Larry Eads officiating. Burial is at Center Cemetery.

Calling is 3-8 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home.

Contributions can be made to Jay County Cancer Society or to a charity of the donor's choice.