Allen Duncan Gibson

Allen Duncan Gibson, 73, of Houston, passed away peacefully at home in his sleep on May 8, 2026. Allen was born on November 10, 1952, in Little Rock, Arkansas to Harry and Ruth Gibson, who preceded him in death. He built a life centered around family, laughter, meaningful work, travel, and the simple joys that made every day special. Allen earned his Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting from Southern Methodist University, where he was a member and president of the Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity. He later received his MBA in Finance from University of Houston and served as a teaching fellow in Cost Accounting — an early reflection of the leadership, mentorship, and dedication that would define his professional life. Allen built a distinguished career in corporate finance, earning deep respect across Houston’s business community for his judgment, integrity, and steady leadership. His passing is a profound loss to the Houston corporate finance community, where he was known as a mentor, leader, and trusted advisor. A past president of the Houston chapter of Financial Executives International, Allen was generous with his time, wisdom, and perspective, and many sought his counsel when facing difficult decisions or complex challenges. Throughout a career spanning more than four decades, Allen held senior financial and executive leadership roles with some of the most recognizable names in energy, manufacturing, and professional services, including KPMG, Deloitte & Touche, Nabisco, Western Geophysical, Baker Hughes, Weatherford International, Bilfinger and Lapmaster Group Holdings. Allen’s expertise in global finance, accounting, strategic planning, mergers and acquisitions, and operational leadership earned him the respect of colleagues and clients around the world. His work took him across the United States and internationally, where he led financial operations, mentored teams, and guided organizations through periods of growth and transformation. Outside of work, Allen embraced life fully and found joy in experiences both big and small. He loved travel and especially enjoyed the perks that came along with it. He often returned home from his international travels with treasured stories and souvenirs for his children, most notably boomerangs from Australia and desert roses from the Sahara. Allen was deeply devoted to his family and to creating lasting memories with his children. He participated in Indian Guides, attended countless Houston sports teams’ games with his children, took them to and from their sport events, and offered them travel perks. As an Eagle Scout, father of two Eagle Scouts and Personal Finance Merit Badge Counselor for Boy Scout Troop 599, Allen helped guide many young men pursuing the rank of Eagle Scout, patiently teaching them how to build budgets, understand financial responsibility, and prepare for adulthood. Allen shared a loving partnership with his wife, Sherrie, whom he met while they both worked at Peat Marwick Mitchell in the private business department. Allen invited a group of new coworkers to a happy hour at Cattleman’s Bar — a simple gesture of kindness and inclusion that was the spark leading to their 41-year marriage, growing into a lifelong partnership built on mutual support, laughter, and shared adventures. Their favorite travel memory was a week-long adventure in a Tuscan villa with friends. They supported each other fully in their many activities and volunteer commitments, from PTA events and school carnivals to Boy Scouts, Financial Executives International (FEI), Bo’s Place, and parish events at St. John Vianney, where Allen served as both bazaar treasurer and chairman. At home, some of Allen’s favorite moments were the simplest ones. He enjoyed watching birds and squirrels outside while working from home and keeping to his beloved restaurant traditions — Buffalo Wild Wings most Thursdays and Ninfa's most Fridays. He appreciated a good glass of Sangiovese — or almost any Italian wine. A loyal fan of his “piggies,” the Arkansas Razorbacks, Allen could often be found cheering them on with enthusiasm. He also enjoyed keeping up with the newest movies on plex and loved seeing action films at Studio Movie Grill. Every year, he looked forward to celebrating his birthday at Taste of Texas, always ending the evening with a slice of full-sugar cheesecake. More than anything, Allen treasured time spent with the people he loved. Allen’s legacy lives on through his surviving family members: his loving wife, Sherrie; his children, Heather (David) Held, Tyler Gibson, and Ryan Gibson; his beloved grandson, Hunter Held; and his sister, Laura Henkel, and her wife, Susan Highfield. He is also survived by his brother-in-law John Balcar and wife Rhonda, brother-in-law Danny Balcar and wife Michelle and several nieces and nephew. Allen was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, brother-in-law, uncle, mentor, and friend whose warmth, wit, generosity, and steady presence will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew him. HONORARY PALLBEARERS Tyler Gibson | Ryan Gibson | David Held | Hunter Held John Balcar | Danny Balcar| Garrison Balcar | Zach Bush In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to Bo's Place, an organization that offers grief support services for children, families and adults and held special meaning to Allen. His family is honored and grateful that gifts made in his memory will support the compassionate work and mission that he cared about deeply. Online donations may be made through https://wl.donorperfect.net/weblink/WebLink.aspx?name=boplace&id=67 Donations by mail may be made payable to Bo’s Place and sent to: Bo’s Place 10050 Buffalo Speedway Houston, Texas 77054

Allen Duncan Gibson

November 10, 1952 - May 8, 2026