Donald Allen Gibson, of Audubon, Iowa went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Monday, April 24, 2023.
Don was born October 3rd, 1936 in McCook Nebraska. He was the 6th child of Forrest Reed Gibson and Laura Delphine Munger. In 1943, the family moved to Auburn Nebraska where he graduated from high school in 1954. He then attended Peru State Teacher’s College where he graduated with a degree in Music Education in 1958. Don worked for Hinky Dinky Grocery Store in Auburn while in high school and throughout college (7 years).
On October 3rd, 1958 he married Josephine Helen Damon. To this union were born two sons, Michael Allen and Brian Lee.
They lived in Elk Horn, Iowa and Audubon, Iowa all of their married life. During their marriage, Don taught Instrumental music, grades 5-12, in Elk Horn for 6 years. They then moved to Audubon, where he taught Instrumental music, grades 5-8, until his retirement in 1997. In 1969, Don received his Master’s Degree in Music from Northeast Missouri State University in Kirksville, Missouri. While teaching, Don was an active member of Southwest Iowa Bandmasters Association, Iowa Bandmasters Association and Audubon Teachers Association.
Don also enjoyed being a football referee for many years. He was also involved in the Elk Horn Baptist Church. He served as a Deacon, loved teaching his adult Sunday School class, directed music, and was Awana Secretary. He also played baritone in the Audubon Summer Band Concerts, Iowa Western Community Band, Exira Community Band, Harlan Community Band, Cass County Community Band, and Southeast Nebraska Community Band.
Don loved to travel with his wife Jo. They took many trips during their retirement years. During their 53-year marriage, they visited all 50 states and went on cruises to Hawaii, Alaska, and through the Panama Canal. Family was important to Don. He also enjoyed following the activities of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Don enjoyed playing in the Gibson Family Band and three generations playing in Tuba Christmas in Iowa and Missouri.
Don is survived by two sons – Michael and wife Nancy of Atlantic, Iowa and Brian and wife Sandy of Clarinda, Iowa; Four grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren– Caleb Gibson and wife Charlene (Nathan and Chloe) of Villisca Iowa, Joshua Gibson and wife Lisa (Blayz, Frank, Jayden, Lydia) of Maryville, Missouri, Reed Gibson and wife Samantha Digmann (Josephine) of Des Moines, Iowa, and Cassie Gibson (Sterling and Skylee) of Clarinda, Iowa. One brother, Richard Gibson and wife Carol of Tyler, Texas and sister-in-law Carol of Reed Springs, Missouri. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews.
Don was preceded in death by his parents, wife, Jo, brothers, Robert and Jack, sisters, Jeanette,
Clarise, and Mary. In-laws: Evelyn, Russell, Bob, Lindel and Maggie.
Funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m., on Friday, April 28, 2023, at GracePoint Church (1 E 22nd St Atlantic, IA). A visitation with family will be held from 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m., also on Friday. Interment will be held at Oakfield Township Cemetery Southeast of Elk Horn, IA following the funeral. The Kessler Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Memorials may be directed to the Awana Program at GracePoint Church, and may be mailed to the Gibson Family at 1006 Locust St. Atlantic, IA 50022.
Don’s family appreciates the any expressions of sympathy and concern. Everyone is invited to meet with the family in the reception hall of the Grace Point Church following the committal service.
