Charles Freeman Gibson, 89, of Colton's Point, MD died September 23, 2010 at St. Mary's Nursing Center with his family by his side. He was born July 11, 1921 in Abell, MD to the late Charles Henry and Doris Cheseldine Gibson.

Charles enlisted in the U.S. Coast Guard in September 1942 and proudly served until April 1946 as a Radioman. He served in the Pacific Theatre aboard the USS Ochlockonee and the CGC Mohawk and received various medals including the WWII Victory Medal.

He retired from Strike Aircraft Test Directorate, EW&R Branch, Electronic Warfare Section B at the Naval Air Test Center, Patuxent River, MD as a supervisory Electronics Technician in 1976.

He was a life-long waterman raised on the Potomac River and spent his childhood working with his father and brothers oystering, crabbing and fishing on the dory boat, Doris C, which is currently on display at the St. Clement's Island Marina.

Charles was a life time member of American Legion Post 221 in Avenue, MD serving three terms as Post Commander. He took great pride in displaying the American flag along with the Maryland flag at home and often times was seen raising or lowering the flags at the American Legion Post 221 in Avenue.

He was one of the founders of the Seventh District Volunteer Fire Department serving as the Department's first Vice President.

He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Grace "Bebe" Jackson Morris Gibson; his children; Nicholas Thaddeus Gibson (Sheryl) and Susan Laurita Horn (Harry), 6 grandchildren ; Theresa Friess (Gary), Nicholas Gibson (Crystal), Dennis Gibson (Brittany), and Laura Latchford (James), Jessica Horn and Barbara Horn; 8 great grandchildren; Dustin Vachalek , Toby Friess, Cheyanne Friess, Wyatt Friess, Rebekah Gibson, Summer Gibson, Candice Gibson, Jordan Gibson, and Andrea Gibson and his siblings Shirley Krucelyak, Peggy Wood and Thelma Boteler.

He is preceded in death by his brothers Henry and James Gibson and great granddaughter Mikala.

The family will receive friends on Sunday, September 26, 2010 from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Brinsfield Funeral Home, 22955 Hollywood Road, Leonardtown, MD 20650 where prayers will be recited at 3:00 p.m. followed by American Legion prayers. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, September 27, 2010 at 11:00 a.m. at Holy Angels Church, 21340 Colton Point Road, Avenue, MD 20609 with Reverend William H. Gurnee, III officiating. Interment will follow in Sacred Heart Cemetery in Bushwood, MD.

Serving as pallbearers will be Steve Krucelyak, Jamie Gibson, Pat Wood, Charles Wood, Francis Gibson and Timothy Gibson.

Memorial contributions can be made to 7th District Volunteer Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 7, Avenue, MD 20609 or to St. Mary's Nursing Center, 21585 Peabody Street, Leonardtown, MD 20650.

Arrangements by the Brinsfield Funeral Home, P.A., Leonardtown, MD.