On Saturday, March 17, 2018, Bobby Ray (Bob) Gideon (87) finished his race and went to be with Jesus. One month later, on Tuesday, April 17, 2018, his beloved wife, Vonnie (June) Burl Gideon (89) joined him in Heaven. We know that Bob was waiting at the gates of Heaven, holding the door open for June to enter, and there he had for her a bouquet of roses.
Bob was born on July 30, 1930, in Winters, Texas, to Luther and Allie Gideon. He was owner and operator of Gideon Heating and Air Conditioning from 1963 until his retirement in 1995, when his two sons, Flynn and Benny, continued the business using the knowledge they had learned from their dad. Benny runs the family business today. Bob was a lover and a collector of antique toys of which he has many to leave to his grandchildren. He was a kind, gentle soul, and everyone who came in contact with Bob loved him.
June was born on August 23, 1928, in Ballinger, Texas, to Grady and Irma Campbell. Bob and June were married on May 25, 1950. June was the perfect soul mate for Bob, the perfect mother, mother-in-law, grandmother, and friend. She freely gave hugs to all and kisses in the palm of your hand to take with you. June always, "Loved you more." She loved to cook and when she did, she cooked enough for a village. She crocheted doilies to give as gifts and when she gave one, it was with the promise of a prayer. June also loved to write poetry.
Bob and June were well known to many as Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus as they dressed and played the part for over 30 years for the Abilene Police Department's annual Christmas party. They loved on many children during their 68 years of marriage. They were known as Pawpaw and Mawmaw to most. Bob and June were faithful members of Southwest Park Baptist Church.
Bob and June were preceded in death by their parents; a daughter, Connie Spohn; Bob's brother and sister; June's two brothers and sister.
Survivors include their three sons, Dell Gideon and wife Teresa of New Mexico, Flynn Gideon and wife Lana of Marshall Islands, and Benny Gideon and wife Destry of Abilene. They have 14 grandchildren, 23 great grandchildren, 6 great-great grandchildren, and there are many other children they loved and helped to raise.
Visitation for June will be Friday, 6 - 8pm, at Elliott-Hamil Funeral Home, 5701 Hwy 277 South. A Memorial Celebration of their lives will be held on Saturday, April 21, 2018, at 11:00 a.m. at Southwest Park Baptist Church, 2901 South 20th, Abilene, with Mike Woodard officiating. A private graveside service will be held at Elliott-Hamil Garden of Memories cemetery where the grandchildren will serve as honorary pallbearers. They include Bobby Dell Gideon, Debbie "Shelly" Gideon, Nathan Tamporello, Chris Tamporello, Stephen Gideon, Anna Gideon, David Gideon, Rufus Gideon, Callie Chavana, Jeremy Gideon, Jorden Gideon, Kyler Gideon, Justin Boatright, and Jaysa Armstrong.
We, the family, would like to thank Hospice of the Big Country for their tender care of our loved ones. We would also like to thank Silvia Lara for being a loving care giver to Pawpaw and Mawmaw for the past two years. Silvia was sent by God in our time of need and now we consider her a part of the Gideon family.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the West Texas Rehabilitation Center or Hospice of the Big Country.
You may view and sign the guestbook at www.elliotthamilfuneralhomes.com.
