CMSgt John Lee Gibbons, USAF (Ret)

CMSgt John L. Gibbons, USAF(Ret), 69, passed away on January 23, 2017. John was born in Cleveland, Ohio, and after high school, he attended and graduated from the Spartan School of Aeronautics. He proudly and courageously served his country for nearly 40 years. During this time he served at several duty stations around the world. He received numerous commendations, awards, and recognition during his time of service.

He was devoted to his family, his friends, his country, and his faith. He was an active member of First Presbyterian Church, a former board member of Habitat for Humanity, an Assistant Scout Master for two separate Boy Scouts of America troops, and he regularly traveled and volunteered throughout the community and on missions in other parts of the country. He enjoyed golf, travel, and he was an avid handyman who could fix virtually anything.

He is survived by his wife, Elly; children, John and Elizabeth; grandchildren, Alex, Hailey, and Emmalynn; his mother, Grace; brothers, Gene and wife Joan, Tom and wife Marie; brother-in-law, Henk and wife Nel; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. He is preceded in death by his father, Bruce; and one infant son.

Memorial service will be held Friday, January 27, 2017, at 10:00AM with full military honors at the U.S. National Cemetery in Fort Smith, followed by a memorial service at First Presbyterian Church of Fort Smith. The family will greet friends following the memorial service at First Presbyterian Church.

Honorary pallbearers are H. Chamberlin, SMSgt Mick Darden USAF(Ret), CMSgt Robert DeWitt USAF(Ret), SMSgt Charles Elmore USAF(Ret), Larry Hall, Hugh MacKay, and the Johnson County Auxiliary Corps.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to the following: First Presbyterian Church, 116 North 12th Street, Fort Smith, AR 72901; Mayo Clinic, Department of Development, P.O. Box 450, Albert Lea, MN, 56007-0450; or the veteran’s organization of your choice.