Victor Wade Gibson, 58, passed peacefully on June 19, 2025, at his home in Kampsville, IL, surrounded in the presence of his loving family during final moments.
Wade was born on November 29, 1966, in Granite City IL, a son of the late Roscoe Raymond Gibson and Donna Rose (Myers) Gibson.
After concurrently obtaining his High School diploma through Calhoun High School, and Cosmetology license through Alvareita's College of Cosmetology in 1985, Wade began his passionate career path at Alvareita's where he earned and implemented his degree as an educator through 1986.
He met and married Angelia Burns (Suhling) in 1986 and together they opened what would be his first hair salon in Mozier, IL.
Wade moved his growing family to Kampsville, IL and opened Design Lines salon in 1988.
To accommodate a home of 3 beautiful children, Whitney, Britney, and Jarrod, and an expanding business, the family moved to a bigger location residing in the middle of Kampsville, IL in 1996.
Not only was he thriving as a skilled and passionate stylist, but it was also at this point (1996-1998) Wade was named Mayor of Kampsville. He was involved with the organization of the first Kampsville Summer Celebration along with other community events. He took great pride in creating occasions for families of the community to enjoy.
In 1997, expanding his horizons, Wade took his hairstyling talents to the Riverbend area, where he shared his gift in salons throughout the Alton and Godfrey area.
In the early 2000s he opened what he would call one of his favorite establishments, Solutions Salon and Spa. After selling Solutions Salon and Spa in 2006, Wade continued his journey in creating beautiful hair along with leaving a lasting impression on everyone he touched, while working alongside his daughter Britney at his friend Dave Smith's salon, The Grand Style on Broadway on Alton.
Wade had a deep love for Mickey Mouse. His grandchildren dubbed him as Papa Toodles, derived from the show "Mickey Mouse Clubhouse".
Shortly after meeting, Wade and James, bringing with them their talented daughter Britney, opened what would be Wade's most treasured salon, The Salon of Papa Toodles. For the past 11 years this is where Wade continued to leave his magical touch on every friend who walked through that door and sat in his chair. With each client he listened attentively, he laughed, he wept, and he loved with an unwavering heart of compassion, making everyone feel as they are part of his family.
In 2019, Wade was voted "Best of the Best" hairstylist in the Riverbend area.
Aside from his 40 year career in Cosmetology, Wade enjoyed collecting Mickey Mouse memorabilia, cooking, home improvements, landscaping, garage sales, flea markets, impromptu trips, volunteering, and generously helping others.
He had a love for God, and attended St. Johns United Church of Christ in Brighton. Wade was also an ordained minister; he enjoyed officiating wedding ceremonies for some of his friends.
Wade's most joyful moments were spent making memories with his children, grandchildren, and family, ensuring each and every holiday celebration was extravagant, memorable, and inclusive for all involved.
Wade would dress up in costume every Christmas morning, making his way around to each of his children's homes to watch the grandchildren open their "Santa" gifts, adding a little extra special magic to their Christmas mornings.
He especially enjoyed hosting holiday activities with the family including pumpkin carving, making Christmas cookies, and dying Easter eggs just to name a few.
The love and commitment Wade had for his children and grandchildren was remarkable. To him there were no dreams too big or too small, no problems without a solution. He established a can-do mindset within everything he set out to do, a core value so important that he and all 3 of his children have matching tattoos reading "no matter what". Symbolizing not only a promise to them that Wade made as their father, but also as a reminder of the courage, strength, and unconditional love he maintained throughout his life to leave with them in his passing.
In 2014 Wade met the man that he would choose to spend the rest of his life with, and with whom he shared an unparalleled love for until he took his very last breath. On December 3, 2022, Wade married his true love and soulmate James (Palmer) Gibson. They shared a home together in Kampsville, IL along with their 3 beloved Siamese cats Willie, Waylyn, and Wade's very best furry friend, Winnie.
Wade is survived by his Husband James Palmer-Gibson, Daughter Whitney (Jeremy Reno) Gibson, Daughter Britney (Stephen) Hayn, Son Jarrod (Christina) Gibson, Sister Debbie (Mark) Becker, 11 grandkids Jaela Gibson, Sophia Gibson, Olivia Reno, Hinley Hayn, Scarlett Gibson, Harlow Hayn, Harry Hayn, Atticus Gibson, Exlee Reno, Harvey Hayn, and Huey Hayn, along with many more family and friends who loved him dearly.
To carry on his legacy, the family intends to start The Papa Toodles Foundation, which will be dedicated to helping those in need by spreading kindness and generosity.
Please join us to honor this remarkable man's memory.
Visitation services will be held at Gress, Kallal, & Schaaf Funeral Home in Hardin, IL on Friday, June 27th, 2025. The visitation will commence from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM.
The family will be holding a celebration of life. This event will take place at Mount Hope in Michael, IL on Saturday July 19th, 2025. The celebration will start at 5:00 PM.
A warm welcome is extended to everyone who wishes to share in this special occasion.
Online condolences can be made at www.eliaskallalandschaaf.com.
