John E. Gibson

Born December 13, 1928 in Canton to Harry and Elsie (Kirkpatrick) Gibson, he married Eva Joanne Monks on September 15, 1951 in Mapleton. She survives.

Also surviving are one son, Tom (Dawnell) Gibson of Kingston Mines; his son-in-law, Mike Colston of Glasford; four grandchildren, Amanda (Josh) Alexander of Glasford, Sarah (Jason Bontemps) Gibson of Mackinaw, Matt (Jenny) Colston of Hoopeston and Tori Zeine of Kingston Mines; eight great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren and three sisters.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one daughter, Cherie Colston; two brothers and seven sisters.

A United States Army veteran of the Korean War, he was a member of Glasford American Legion Post 35.

He was retired from International Harvester in Canton with 30 years of service. He also owned and operated Jack Gibson Excavating Company for over 50 years.

Jack was a devoted family man, spending all of his free time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He enjoyed stock car racing, especially watching Don Bohlander race. He also raised and raced homing pigeons.

He attended Mapleton Church and had been baptized at Glasford Baptist Church.

His graveside service will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, September 8, 2018 at Maple Ridge Cemetery in Mapleton. Pastor Paul Oedewaldt will officiate. Military rites will be accorded by the United States Army and Glasford American Legion Post #35. There will be a celebration of life at the Mapleton Church Fellowship Hall from 2 to 4 p.m. following the graveside service. Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin is assisting the family with arrangements.

Memorial contributions may be made to Mapleton Church, 9409 South Powell Road/PO Box 3, Peoria, IL 61607.