By Deborah Larsen
Walter Berry Gibson
Walter Berry Gibson was born in Rochester, Michigan, on March 18, 1919, the son of Henry and Lavinia Edwards Gibson. Walter attended Rochester High School and graduated as valedictorian of the class of 1937. After high school, he was employed with a WPA project and as a mail carrier.
In February 1942, Walter enlisted in the U.S. Army. After training at Fort McClellan, Alabama, he was assigned to the 377th Infantry Regiment, where he earned a Combat Infantryman Badge. The 377th landed in England in August 1944 and fought through France and Germany as part of the 95th Infantry Division.
After the war, Walter married, started a family, and continued his education at Detroit Bible Institute. He was ordained as a Baptist clergyman and served congregations in North Branch, Detroit, Clarkston, Milford, and Commerce, Michigan.
Rev. Dr. Walter Berry Gibson died at age 80 on October 24, 1999, and was laid to rest in Novi, Michigan.