Donald Lee Gibbs died Sunday, Sept. 27, 2015, at Lawrence Memorial Hospital. He was 80. Interment will be at 12:30 p.m., Friday, Oct. 2, at Fort Leavenworth National Cemetery.
Don was born Feb. 7, 1935 in El Dorado Springs, Mo., son of Hattie and Charley Gibbs. He graduated from Eudora High School in 1953, where he was an accomplished athlete, lettering all four years in football, basketball and track.
He joined the U.S. Army in 1957, training in Fort Sill, Okla. He spent much of his service in Germany, eventually earning the rank of SP4 and receiving the Good Conduct Medal. He was honorably discharged in 1959 following the death of infant son, Lynn.
Don worked at FMC in north Lawrence for 36 years, enjoying softball and bowling with his co-workers. He was also an avid hunter and outdoorsman. He was a devoted and loving father to son Stephen and daughter Kembry, actively involved in their activities.
He married Martha Sue Hudson Craig June 15, 1981. For the last 13 years they lived on a small farm in rural Oskaloosa, which they lovingly shared with four horses, two cats and four loyal dogs.
Don will be remembered for his easygoing personality, his dry sense of humor, his good-naturedness, and for being consistently friendly to family, friends and strangers alike. He enjoyed striking up conversations with strangers.
He was a proud and loving parent and a devoted and loving husband to Sue for 34 years. He is also survived by a sister, Margaret, of El Dorado Springs. He is preceded in death by both parents, two brothers Glen and Lester, infant son Lynn, and first wife Jean Yates Gibbs-Simpson.
