Linda Jean Gibson

Linda was born in Franklin, Pennsylvania on March 12, 1948, to Gene and Anne Stright. Linda was the oldest of 4 children: sisters Karen and Marsha and brother Ron. Her family moved from Pennsylvania to New Mexico when she was 5 years old, and during her middle school years, their life brought them to San Angelo, Texas.

It was while she was at San Angelo Central High School that she met Joe A. Gibson. The spark was instant! In the middle of her Senior year, her family moved back to New Mexico – and Joe would make a trip once a month to continue to court her. They married on July 29, 1967, in San Angelo. They lived and worked in San Angelo, and she helped support Joe as he finished his degree at Angelo State University.

They both were of pioneering spirit and sought to build their life and family in the love and mold of the West Texas community. They built and ran The Minuteman Press print shop at their home to help Joe realize his dream of writing and publishing history books. They accomplished the feat of writing and self-publishing 2 regional history books; Old Angelo and Forts and Treasure Trails of West Texas. It was on their travels around Texas to research and write these books that they dreamed and talked about building and raising their family.

Linda’s greatest joy in life was her family. She and Joe had three sons, and Linda filled the home with love and happiness. She loved watching her sons and family grow; and she intentionally taught and empowered the family with a sense of adventure and belief that anything can be accomplished. She was the quiet guiding force for her family, supporting her boys on their school, sporting, and scouting adventures and Joe’s rock and support as he served in the San Angelo Police Department as patrolman, detective, internal affairs, and finally Chief of Police.

And with years of raising a houseful of boys, she was always so excited to welcome and love the young ladies that married her sons and grandsons! She loved time with “her girls”!

She was actively involved in Scouting and was a Cub Scout Den Leader for each of her sons. As they moved into Scouts, she was the quiet guiding force making sure that her boys were always prepared and had what each needed to go on the adventure. Linda and Joe found a love for the mountains and several family trips were built around high adventure treks at Philmont Scout Ranch near Cimarron, New Mexico. Linda and Joe were able to boast about raising 3 sons to be Eagle Scouts, and 3 grandsons that are also Eagle Scouts.

Linda reveled in being a grandmother! Her grandsons lovingly called her “Hunny” and she and Joe loved to be a part of as many events as possible. They would make trips across Texas to watch their grandsons and would beam with joy and pride at each little accomplishment. Her warmth, love, and smile are endeared in the hearts of her grandsons, and she had recently created a new blanket for the next grandson. The next generation will continue to be wrapped in her love, heart, and spirit. A mother’s love is eternal.

Linda was preceded in death by her parents Gene and Anne Stright, sister Karen Raney, and her loving husband of 55 years, Joe A. Gibson. She is survived by son and wife Monty and Leah Gibson, son Matthew Gibson, son and wife Martin and Katelyn Gibson. She is also survived by grandson and wife Garrison and Lindee Gibson, grandson Chase Gibson and his fiancé Megan Davis, and grandson Kyle Gibson. The family also eagerly awaits the next grandson, Ethan Joseph Gibson, coming soon – Martin & Katelyn’s – and we know that he truly has an angel watching over him.

There will be a private family celebration of life to memorialize Linda’s legacy. In lieu of flowers, the family ask that any memorial donations be given in Linda’s name to the Joe & Linda Gibson Philmont Scout Ranch Scholarship Fund with the Texas Southwest BSA Council in San Angelo, TX. (104 Veterans Memorial Drive - San Angelo, Texas 76903 - phone#325-655-7107)

The family would like to thank the Texas Southwest BSA Council and the San Angelo Police Department. Special thanks to the doctors and nurses that gave her such great care and attention and were there to experience her miracle last October. Thank you to the many friends and family that have reached out with prayer and support. Your love and support for our Mom and family is precious to us, and we appreciate all the wonderful stories that you have shared with us about our miracle Mom and Angel in blue.