Gilbert L. Ennis, known his entire life as Gib, died of natural causes April 3, surrounded by his family at his home on St. Simons Island, Ga. In late February of this year, Gib and his wife Jo Beth had moved from Kennett, Mo. where they had lived for more than 30 years. They had made the recent move to be with their daughter who lives on the island, and son Steve, who lives in nearby Brunswick, Ga.  Gib would have been 94 on April 7.

Born in Memphis, Tn., Gib spent his earliest days in Cooter, Mo., but lived in nearby Caruthersville, Mo. most of his boyhood and growing up years.  He was the only child of Ralph and Irene Ennis, who predeceased him in the 1970s.

Although a depression era kid, he nevertheless thrived in the small-town life of the 1930s and '40s and was active in high school and amateur sports, especially baseball.  His lifelong devotion to the St. Louis Cardinals included an impressive display in his office of his all-time hero, Stan Musial.

Although too young to serve in World War II, Gib enlisted after the war and was stationed in Japan as part of the occupation force. He was based in Kobe along with several of his dearest buddies from Caruthersville, who all remained lifelong friends.  He loved the people and beauty of Japan and often spoke fondly of his many adventures there.

After returning from the service, he worked his way through college (with help from the GI Bill) at Westminster and Southeast Missouri but graduated from The University of Missouri in 1952.   Shortly after graduating he met Jo Beth Byrd of Kennett.

Both were with other dates at the old Club Zanza in Haiti, Mo. when Gib first spotted the beautiful Jo Beth (a former Miss Kennett) on the dance floor.  He quickly got her number to call for a date.  In those days operators manned the phones, and Gib mistakenly asked to be connected to Jo "Bath" Byrd.  Nevertheless, they finally connected and were married three months later. They celebrated their 69 ^th anniversary last December.

Gib began his career in the cotton business in Memphis but spent most of his working life as an educational supplies' salesman.  He logged millions of miles on the road working for companies such as St. Regis Paper Co.  He retired from Bemis-Jason almost 30 years ago and brought Jo "Bath" back to Kennett, Mo. to be with family.  They lived there until their very recent move to Georgia.

Jo and Gib had three children, Melinda, Steve and Bill (in that order) and were transferred for work all over the South, from Tuscaloosa and Birmingham, Al., to Richmond, Va.  It was in Virginia that Gib discovered his lifelong passion (other than Jo and the kids) _GOLF.

When he was at the top of his game in his late 30s, Gib was a three-handicap golfer. He continued to play passionately well into old age, hitting the last of seven lifetime hole-in-ones on his 90 ^th birthday just three years ago at the Kennett Country Club.

His other great joy in life was reading (which he did voraciously) and writing.  He wrote many short stories and had a column called "The Answer Man" in this newspaper for many years. He helped form a book club (now named in his honor) at the Kennett Library over 20 years ago.  The Gib Ennis Book Club is commemorated by a plaque awarded him upon his recent departure from Kennett.

Gib is survived by his beloved wife Jo Beth Byrd Ennis, his daughter Melinda (Lindy) Roughton and husband Bert, St. Simons Island; his son Steve Ennis, Brunswick; and youngest son Bill, Birmingham, Al.  An array of grandchildren and their spouses includes Tracey Nicole Galloway, Kasey Cummings, Jeannie Birkenkamp and Bert Roughton III and Christian Roughton. He is also survived by seven great-grandchildren:  Jack and Ryan Galloway, Will Tucker, Abel Cummings, Reid and Ian Birkenkamp and the most recent addition, Ford Emmabelle Roughton.

Gib's family will celebrate his life at a private memorial service by the ocean he loved at Driftwood Beach on Jekyll Island, Ga.  In lieu of flowers, donations in his name can be made to the Kennett Public Library, 209 N. Main St., Kennett, Mo 63857, attention Jo Nell.

He was dearly loved by his family and friends for his humor, wit and wisdom.  We will never forget you, Dad.