William (Bill) Scott Gibson finished his race on February 13, 2015 at the Colorado State Veterans Center at Homelake.
Bill was born in Randolph, Nebraska, the son of Samuel Scott Gibson and Ruth Margaret Bartels Gibson on November 2, 1928. Bill graduated from the University of Nebraska in 1948. Following his graduation he joined the U.S. Army and served in Korea as a First Lieutenant, Medical Service Corps, during the Korean War. He was honorably discharged in 1953. He married Lola Lee Simodynes in Lincoln, Nebraska on November 27, 1955 and they had two sons, Scott William and Mark Richard. Bill married his second wife Alice Parker Dye on January 11, 1975 in La Jara, Colorado and they enjoyed 40 years together.
Bill was a member of the American Legion in Monte Vista for many years and was a past Post Commander. He also served on the Advisory Board at the Colorado State Veterans Center at Homelake and on the Policy Board at Tri-County Senior Citizens. He was an Elder and active member of the First Presbyterian Church in Monte Vista. Bill was self-employed in the agricultural business and in past years he served as President of the Colorado Grain and Feed Dealers Association. He was active in Boy Scouts of America when his children were growing up.
His hobbies included many outdoor activities such as fishing, hunting and horseback riding. Bill was a member of Ducks Unlimited. He was also an accomplished pilot. In his spare time, he enjoyed playing bridge and gin rummy and was a voracious reader. His favorite football teams were the Nebraska Cornhuskers and the Denver Broncos.
Bill is survived by his wife Alice Gibson of Monte Vista; his children Scott William Gibson of Monte Vista, Mark Richard Gibson of Center, Darrell (Susan) Dye of Elizabeth, CO and Patti Dye of Alamosa; his grandchildren Richard (Jamie) Spencer of Arcadia, NE, April (Ray) Bishop of Fort Campbell, KY, Nathanial (Calida) Gibson of Pierce, CO , Patrick Dye of Colorado Springs, Bijah (Kirsten) Gibson of Charlotte, NC, Miesha Gibson of Steamboat Springs, CO, Kyanna Gibson of Ft. Collins, CO; his great-grandchildren Logan Spencer, Kingston Dye, Aymeri Dye and Jayden Bishop; as well as his “Bro”, Harold Parker of Arcadia, NE; his sisters-in-law Marilyn Lewandowski of Omaha, NE, Connie Stewart and Mary Lou Peterson both of Broken Bow, NE, Nancy (Gerald) Einstahr of Arcadia, NE, Vickie (Larry) Hanks of Amherst, NE and numerous nieces, nephews and extended family.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his first wife Lola Lee Simodynes Gibson, his daughter Carole Dye, his brother Robert Gibson and his sister Ruth Dean.
Micah 6:8 “…and what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” Bill’s life reflected 2 Timothy 4:7-8 “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day and not only to me but also to all who have longed for His appearing.”
Cremation was chosen and a Celebration of Life will be held 2:00 p.m. Saturday, February 21, 2015 at the First Presbyterian Church in Monte Vista. Contributions are suggested in his memory to either the First Presbyterian Church of Monte Vista or to the Colorado State Veterans Center at Homelake.