Gerald R. Gibbs, age 89, of Jordan, MT passed away on March 21, 2015 at the Eastern Montana Veteran Home in Glendive, MT.
Gerald Richard Gibbs was born on July 23, 1925 in Miles City, MT, the son of Roy and Nora (Leibole) Gibbs. Gerald grew up on the family ranch near Jordan where he attended various country schools; he also attended school in Miles City for a short period of time. From an early age Gerald was an independent hard worker. The cold winter of 1935 he began a paper route so he could earn money for a bicycle. That winter he never missed a single route. During school Gerald excelled in sports. He participated in boxing, football and track. He recalled the first football game he ever saw was one he played in. Gerald graduated from Garfield County High School in 1943. Shortly after high school he enlisted in the United States Navy where he did tours through the South Pacific, Philippines and in Japan after the dropping of the bomb. Gerald was honorably discharged from the Navy in June of 1946. He returned home to the family ranch where he helped his parents.
In 1951 he was wintering cattle in the Glendive area when he became sick and needed to go to the hospital. It was there he met a nurse named Delores Nickels and one short year later the two were married. To this union two children were born, Bob and Pat. Together Delores and he raised their family on the ranch. Gerald loved raising and working cattle, it was truly a way of life for him, he even dabbled in the exotic cattle market for a while. Gerald’s true passion was ranching. He was also pleased with the birth of his two great-granddaughters, Garnett and Morgan.
Gerald is survived by his two sons, Bob (Debbie) Gibbs and Pat (Bev) Gibbs of Jordan; three brothers, David (Birdice) Gibbs of Circle, MT, Lee(Margret) Gibbs of Fallon, MT and Gene (Donna Jean) Gibbs of Stockton, CA; one sister, Betty Haughian of Miles City; one sister-in-law, Helen Gibbs; six grandchildren, William (Bridgette) Gibbs, Collin (Kim) Gibbs, Jay (Emily) Gibbs, Tim (Abby) Gibbs, Nathan Gibbs and Nolan Gibbs and two great-granddaughters Garnett and Morgan. He was preceded in death by his wife Delores, his parents, a brother John,sister-in-law R’Delle Gibbs and brother-in-law Jerome Haughian .
Visitation will be held on Friday, March 27, 2015 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. A graveside service with full military honors will be held on Friday, March 27, 2015 at 2:00 p.m. at the Pioneer Cemetery in Jordan. Should friends desire memorials can be made to the Jordan VFW or Jordan Ambulance Service. Condolences can be made to the family by visiting stevensonandsons.com.
Joe and Bev Murnion says
Will always remember Gerald with fond memories Our deepest sympathy to all He was a great man
Floyd & Kay Beecher says
Our deepest sympathy to you all with Gerald’s passing. He was a true gentleman in every sense of the word and it was a pleasure and honor to have known him.
Patti (Green) Ireland says
Bob and Debbie, my condolences to you on the loss of your father and father-in-law. I’m praying that the Lord will give you comfort in this time of grief.
Tim and Cheri Hafla says
Pat, Bob,
and Families,
Our deepest sympathy in the loss of Gerald…
Tim and Cheri Hafla says
Pat, Bob, and Families,
Our deepest sympathy in the loss of Gerald…
candy bollinger huseby says
Thoughts and prayers to the family.
Buster and Irene Pluhar says
Bob , Pat and families, So sorry to hear of your loss. Gerald was a hard working ranch man and truly a gentleman. Keep those fond memories close to your heart.
Phil and Darlene Shawver says
Condolences and Prayers for all of the Gibbs Family .May you find comfort in Gods Love.
Shane & Holly Harbaugh says
Sorry to hear of Gerald passing. He was such a gentleman. My Grandpa and Grandma Liebelt always enjoyed living next to Gerald and Tootie. I can not attend the service as Grandma Betty is having surgery that day. Hod Bless all of you.
Diane (Rath) Hewett says
Bob, Pat and extended family,
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. God’s bless all of you as you go through this difficult time.
Sincerely,
Diane
Glenn Crawford says
My thoughts and prayers are with the family of Gerald Gibbs.
Audrey Liebelt Bruckner says
Bob, Pat. I am so sorry to hear of your Dads passing, my thoughts and prayers are with him and you at this time. I remenber him from the Flowing Well days he was always so nice to us kids.
J.D. and Mary Alice Murnion says
So sorry for your loss of Gerald, he will be missed by many friends. Another of Garfield Countys ranchers gone on to greener pastures.
Jo Ryan says
So sorry for your loss. Gerald was a great man. Treasure the memories. I know I will.
Mary Johnson says
Sending prayers your way!
Jerry and Lori Murnion says
very sorry for your loss, Gerald was a good man.
Mike and Linda Wyse says
Bob, Debbie and families, sorry for your loss, sending prayers your way. Remember the good times.