Harley W. Gibson

Harley Gibson Jr., age 77, formerly of Lake Village, Indiana, passed away peacefully on August 31, 2026, in Francesville, Indiana. Harley was born January 16, 1949, in Rensselaer, Indiana, to Harley Gibson Sr. and Betty (Menser) Gibson. He graduated from Mount Ayr High School with the Class of 1966 and proudly served his country as a member of the U.S. Navy Seabees. In 1969, Harley married Karen Lomax Gibson in Rensselaer. They shared many good years together until her passing. He worked throughout his life as a truck driver, diesel truck mechanic, and farmer. He loved the outdoors and spent his free time fishing, hunting, camping, woodworking, and gardening. He had a green thumb and took great pride in his gardens. His daughter will always remember the beautiful sunflowers he planted every year. Harley had a big personality and was well-loved wherever he went. He made friends easily, enjoyed a good conversation, and could often be found outside with a cup of coffee in hand. Harley’s daughter, Shari, was deeply loved by her dad, and she loved him just as much. Some of her most treasured memories are the times they spent together making something out of nothing—working side by side and creating things together. Harley dearly loved his grandchildren, Karley and Jaydon, and was very proud of them. In his later years, he was especially delighted by his great-grandchildren, Braelyn, Emilia, and Elias. He was especially looking forward to meeting the new great-grandbaby Jaydon and Chanel are expecting. Harley is survived by his daughter, Shari (Paul) Schrader of Lake Village, Indiana; grandchildren Karley (Juan) Romo of Morocco, Indiana, and Jaydon (Chanel) Schrader of LakeVillage, Indiana; great-grandchildren Braelyn, Emilia, and Elias Romo; his sister, Susan Amey of Catlin, Illinois; several nieces and nephews; and many friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Harley Gibson Sr. and Betty Gibson; his wife, Karen Lomax Gibson; and his brothers, Michael and Steve Gibson. Harley will be remembered for his kindness, his big personality, his love of the outdoors, his beautiful gardens, and the many people whose lives he touched. Honoring Harley’s wishes, direct cremation services will take place through Jackson Funeral Chapels.

Harley W. Gibson

January 16, 1949 - August 31, 2026