ALTO PASS, Ill. -- Walter I. Gibbs, 74, of Alto Pass, missing since Dec. 11, 2001, was pronounced dead Friday, March 1, 2002, in Mississippi County near Charleston, Mo.

He was born Jan. 31, 1928, in Jonesboro, son of Arthur E. and Fannie Day Gibbs. He and Linda Bradley were married Nov. 29, 1968, in Granite City, Ill. She survives.

He worked as a mechanic for the state of Illinois. He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict.

Other survivors include two sons, Ron Gibbs of Livingston, Ill., and Wally Gibbs Jr. of Alto Pass; four daughters, Peggy Robinson of Livingston, Phyllis Downs of Kelly Cove, Tenn., Donelda Choate of New Hope, Tenn., and Teresa Cochran of Alto Pass; two brothers, Wilburn R. Gibbs of Jonesboro, Ill., and Jesse C. Gibbs of Chester, Ill.; 19 grandchildren; and 19 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by a son and a granddaughter.

Friends may call from 5-8 p.m. Monday at Hileman and Parr Funeral Services in Jonesboro.

Funeral will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday at the funeral home, with the Rev. Dan Bowers officiating.

Burial will be in Alto Pass Cemetery. Graveside military rites will be conducted by Carroll P. Foster VFW Post 3455 of Anna, Ill.