Roderick C Gibson

Georgia, to E. E. "Major" and Maxie Gibson. He is survived by

his wife of 64 years, Mary, daughters Kathy and Julie, his son-

in-law Jim, and two grandsons, Brian and Mike.

A memorial service will be held at First United Church in

Lemberg Chapel located at 420 N. Nevada Avenue in

Colorado Springs, Colorado, on Wednesday, April 19, 2017, at

11:00 AM with a reception to follow.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Pikes Peak

Hospice & Palliative Care of Colorado Springs, First United

Methodist Church, or to a charity of ones choice.

As a young farm boy, Rod grew up with dreams of flying

leading to a 30 year career as an Air Force fighter pilot. His

career afforded his family the opportunity to experience living

in England, Germany, and Spain, as well as serving at many

stateside assignments.

His military decorations include Silver Star Medal, Legion of

Merit Medal with one oak leaf cluster, Distinguished Flying

Cross with one oak leaf cluster, Air Medal with ten oak leaf

clusters, AF Commendation Medal, Purple Heart Medal, Small

Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon, Army Good Conduct

Medal, AF Longevity Service Award with six oak leaf clusters,

Vietnam Service Medal with three battle stars, National

Defense Service Medal with one oak leaf cluster, AF

Presidential Unit Citation, AF Outstanding Unit Award with

five oak leaf clusters, and Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross

with device. During his combat duty in Vietnam, Rod's plane

was shot down and rescued by US helicopter pilots who

observed his plane go down.

After his retirement from the Air Force, Rod enjoyed a

10-year 2nd career as a stockbroker in Tallahassee, Florida.

Real retirement began when Rod and Mary moved to

Colorado Springs, Colorado, in 1992, where he enjoyed his

favorite pastime…golf.Rod was always passionate about animals,

a "true gentleman",and devoted to the Lord, his wife, his children,

and his grandchildren.