Born in Columbus, Neb., on April 6, 1935, Hoot was the oldest of 10 children; 5 boys and 5 girls. He was raised in Falls City, Neb., and grew up with a competitive spirit and an athletic drive that couldn’t be matched. Whether on the field, court or track, or in everyday life, he brought passion, discipline, creativity and comical antics to everything he did.

An accomplished athlete, Hoot was known as a 3-sport standout at Falls City High School in Nebraska in the early 1950s. He lettered four years in basketball, three years in football and three years in track & field. Hoot was named All-Conference in football and basketball in both junior and senior years, and garnered an All-State mention in both sports as well. In track, he excelled and set multiple school records in both high and low hurdles. He closed his high school career taking home two 1st place medals at the Nebraska State track meet. Hoot went on to be named 1st Team Southeastern Conference and then won the prestigious Bob Gritz Memorial Trophy for Outstanding High School Student Athlete.

Hoot received an athletic scholarship to play football at University of Nebraska. He ended up, however, playing basketball, running the low and high hurdles, AND throwing the javelin. While a Cornhusker, he had the honor of playing basketball against Wilt Chamberlain when they played the Kansas Jayhawks.

Hoot was offered another full scholarship to play all 3-sports at Peru State in Nebraska and left U of N. He excelled and was a two-time Associated Press College honorable mention All-American as a quarterback and half-back, was twice named National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics Honorable Mention All American, and set multiple school and conference track records in the low and high hurdles.

In 1957, Hoot was awarded the coveted Omaha World-Herald State College “Athlete of the Year.”

Hoot earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Education in 1958 from Peru State, and went on to earn a Masters of Science degree in Physical Education in 1960 from the Graduate College of the University of Illinois.

In 2000, Hoot was honored by being inducted into the Peru State College Athletic Hall of Fame.

Beyond these impressive athletic and scholastic stats, it was his charm, wit, confidence, grit, and hilarious escapades that left an indelible mark on our hearts.

Hoot met his wife Coranne “Corky” Kolb at University of Nebraska in 1955. Their first date was taking a walk and sharing a single ice cream cone. In the summer

of 1958, after visiting Corky and her parents in California, he took a bus home to Nebraska and immediately upon arrival, called her from a pay-phone to propose! They were married on Sept. 20, 1958, in a Catholic ceremony in Falls City, Neb. Hoot and Corky had just celebrated their 67th wedding anniversary shortly before his passing.

Hoot got his first job coaching high school basketball in Humphrey, Neb., in 1958. A couple years later he was offered a high school basketball coaching position in sunny Southern California where he moved and lived for the rest of his life.

He was introduced to Jostens Printing and Publishing and left coaching for what became a very successful 35-year career as a sales representative and accomplished entrepreneur. Hoot sold yearbooks, high school class rings and graduation caps & gowns and ran a delivery/shipping business for the remainder of his career.

Hoot and Corky were passionate about traveling and for decades they traveled the world together with family and friends. He enjoyed spending time with his family, was a great dad and was always around to attend his children’s various activities. He loved raising his children in Yorba Linda and spending summers with his family in Newport Beach. His favorite drink was a gin & tonic, his favorite food was any kind of leftovers, and his favorite games were poker and cribbage. He loved walking to the beach to watch the sun go down. He liked nature shows, old movies and musicals, making- up crazy bets, and watching all sports; he played tennis and golf throughout his adult years. Everyone who knew him has a story to tell and he’ll always be remembered as an absolute “oneof- a-kind” character. Hoot is survived by his wife Coranne “Corky” Kolb Gibson, his children Renee (Bill), Kolby (Kate), and Heidi (Dave); his siblings, Mike (Jan), Lamar (Mary), Butch (Lynn), Connie, Karen, Marybeth and sister-in-law Karolyn; and is preceded in death by his brother Bob, sisters Yvonne & Susie, and parents Otto and Geraldine Gibson. He also leaves behind a legacy of 9 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren.

A memorial Mass will be held on Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2026, 11 a.m. at Our Lady Mount Carmel Catholic Church in Newport Beach.