Mark Douglas Gibson, 68, of Troy, Ohio, passed away peacefully at home in his favorite chair on Tuesday, August 26, 2025.

Born on December 31, 1956, in Hamilton, Ohio, to the late Douglas B and Helen Louise (Spicer) Gibson. Mark is survived by his wife of 46 years, Denise (Littlejohn) Gibson; his two daughters, Amanda (Zachary) Gibson Aldridge of Troy and Rachel (Timothy) Gibson Ritchey of Monroe; his sister, Cindy Gibson of Troy; and his two cherished grandchildren, Gavin and Shaelyn Ritchey.

Mark was a man of many passions. He graduated from Miami East High School in 1975, where he met his High School sweetheart and future wife, then attended Lee College in Cleveland, Tennessee. His life's work was on the open road as an independent owner-operator, a career he dedicated more than 43 years to. He was a master of his craft, hauling every type of container imaginable and, for the last five years of his career, specializing in heavy and oversized loads, including parts for windmills—a project he was immensely proud to be a part of. Even after retiring from heavy haul in 2019 due to health issues, he couldn't stay away from the road, lending a hand to a neighbor farmer by hauling grain during harvest season.

His faithful companion was his beloved Staffordshire Terrier mix, Sissy, a dog he rescued in Houston, Texas. Sissy was happiest on the road with him, especially at hotels where she always got to choose her side of the bed first.

Above all else, Mark's greatest love was his family. He was a connector, the one everyone turned to for news about relatives. He found true happiness in sharing a meal and conversation with family and friends. A natural conversationalist, Mark never met a stranger and could talk to anyone about anything. His daily phone calls with his trucking buddies—playfully referred to as his "girlfriends"—were a cherished routine. They would call him if he missed his scheduled check-in, a testament to the strong bonds he built.

Mark also had a deep love for his farm and livestock, fulfilling a lifelong dream to be a farmer like his grandfather. He raised laying chickens, turkeys, pigs, and beef cattle. In his younger years, he also worked with sheep, goats, and horses. A kind and generous soul, Mark was always the first to offer help but the last to ask for it, unless, of course, a cow got loose from the fence. He would be the first to tell you he wasn't perfect. He was known for his firm political beliefs, a bit of a knack for procrastination, and a habit of not putting things back where they belonged.

Family and friends are invited to call from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. on September 2, 2025, at the Baird Funeral Home in Troy. A funeral service will follow at 2 p.m. at the funeral home, with Pastor Greg Morrow officiating. Burial will be at Casstown Cemetery.  Friends and family are invited to join in sharing a meal and favorite Mark stories at the Elizabeth Township Community Center at 4 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Our Farm Sanctuary in Tipp City, Ohio, or His Hands Extended in St. Paris, Ohio. Information on how to donate can be found on their respective websites or Facebook pages. Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.bairdfuneralhome.com.

Our Farm Sanctuary
PO Box 26, Tipp City OH 45371
Tel: 1-937-368-7908
Web: https://ourfarmsanctuary.org

His Hands Extended Sanctuary
1560 Dialton Road, St. Paris OH 43072
Web: https://hhesclinic.wixsite.com/animal-sanctuary/donate