William "Lee" Gibson, age 83, of Mexico, passed away on Tuesday, December 23, 2025, at Pin Oaks Living Center.

A Celebration of Life will be held from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Friday, January 2, 2026, at the Mexico Elks Lodge. The family requests that everyone dress casually.

Lee was born on June 18, 1942, in Mexico, the son of William L. and Lillian (Lamboy) Gibson. On December 18, 1964, in Vandalia, he married Bonnie Kay Maxwell.

He graduated from Mexico High School in 1960 and began his career working for Kroger Foods, later joining Wetterau Foods as a buyer. After Wetterau Foods closed, Lee continued his career in sales with Continental Products, where he worked until his retirement.

Lee was very active in the Mexico community. He served on the board of the Mexico Chamber of Commerce and was honored with the Leadership Award in 1990. He was a past president of the Mexico Jaycees and served one year as Executive Producer of the Miss Missouri Pageant. Lee also served for several years on the board of the Children's Therapy and Early Education School, where he volunteered many hours. He also generously donated his time and labor to Camp Wonderland.

Lee enjoyed working as an electrician as a hobby and wired many of the homes his friends and family built. A perfectionist by nature, he took great pride in keeping his yard, home, and vehicles immaculate. Above all else, Lee loved his family—especially his grandchildren. He was deeply involved in their lives, always asking about them, and he never sent Brandon back to college without a little "gas money." He was a devoted and loving grandfather.

Survivors include his wife, Bonnie Kay Gibson of the home; one daughter, Lisa (Paul) Oligschlaeger of Mexico; one grandson, Brandon Oligschlaeger of Lee's Summit; one brother, Les (Judy) Gibson of Columbia; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Lee was preceded in death by his parents and one granddaughter, Katie Ann Oligschlaeger.

In lieu of flowers and food, the family requests memorial contributions be made to the Handi-Shop Capital Campaign or Sara Robertson's Playground at the Children's Therapy and Early Education School. Donations may be sent in care of Arnold Funeral Home, 425 S. Jefferson Street, Mexico, Missouri 65265.