July 19 1961 October 7 2019
Donald “Donnie” Gibson, 58, passed away peacefully on Monday, Oct. 7, 2019 in Chariton, Iowa. His family will greet visitors on Friday, Oct. 11 from 5-7 p.m. at the Pierschbacher Funeral Home in Chariton. A funeral service will be held Saturday, Oct. 12 at 11 a.m. at the funeral home. Interment will be at the Mt. Zion Cemetery. Memorials may be made in Donnie’s memory to the John Stoddard Cancer Center (515-241-6304). Donald Albert Gibson was born in Sylmar, CA on July 19, 1961 to Herbert and Audrey (Ferguson) Gibson. He attempted to be the youngest in the family of six, but his twin sister Donna was born eight minutes later just to spite him. Older siblings included Gary, Steven, Audrey Jean and Johnnie. Donnie attended school and grew up in Sylmar, located about 20 minutes north of L.A. He and his siblings were a tight-knit bunch, spending their youth playing games with other kids in the neighborhood and going on exciting summer vacations with their beloved parents. In his late teens, Donnie became a painter – houses, buildings, fences – whatever you needed painted, he’d get it done! He was an incredibly hard worker. Since painting jobs could be found anywhere, that career choice allowed Donnie the freedom to live and travel as freely as he wished. Several times in his 20s and 30s, he traveled across the continental U.S. on his old Honda Goldwing motorcycle; he only missed two states. He liked to joke and call himself “Vagabond Don” in reference to those adventure years. In 1998, Donnie’s road warrior tour brought him to Chariton, IA where a family friend needing help with his home weatherization projects, and he just happened to fall in love with his very first client. Donnie and Melody (Mel) Gibson were finally married on Dec. 20, 2014 after more than 16 years of dating and raising three “prefabricated” kids – Summer, Caleb and Haley. Donnie lovingly referred to them as his “prefabs”. He always treated Melody like a queen. Whether he was having jewelry made for her out of his gemstone collection or randomly repainting two or three rooms in the house while she was at work, his love for her was never in question. He was also the best “prefab” dad three kids could ask for. Donnie quickly became a popular character in Chariton, painting everyone’s houses while sharing his humor and bright personality. He worked full-time at the hospital for years, and his most recent four years as a custodian and jack of all trades at Columbus Elementary School brought him immense joy. The students all knew him well and are missing him already. Donnie grew to love the Chariton community so much, that eventually three of his siblings made their homes there, too. In his newfound Midwestern corner of the world, Donnie took up gardening – both vegetables and flowers. Donnie, Mel and numerous visitors spent countless hours hanging out on the patio, next to towering sunflowers and endless rows of tomatoes and peppers. The two also spent years turning their backyard into a campground of sorts, with native plantings, a massive firepit and so on. Backyard camping adventures will always be engrained in the memories of their grandkids. That’s right – Donnie was a world-class grandpa too, or as his crew called him – Dadeen. It was the name he called his Scottish grandfather, and he kept the tradition alive. He was silly and fun and enjoyed spoiling his grandkids. One live-in grandson Dallas was especially central in his life; Donnie was there from day one helping him to grow into a good person. Dallas will always remain his “Pal”. Donnie was a spiritual man who thanked God often for all with which he was blessed. He enjoyed rides through Red Haw State Park on his Harley-Davidson motorcycle with Mel. He could play a few favorite songs on the piano and enjoyed rusty old collectibles. And, if you were in Donnie’s inner circle, he likely had given you a fun nickname. He was proud to be a husband, a twin, a grandpa and more. He always believed in underdogs and took in many strays over the years – both people and pets. Donnie would often prophesize about how “someday I’ll be rich. I’m telling you, when I’m rich I’ll hook you up.” He had a heart to help people which was a bit bigger than his wallet. While Donnie never won the lottery or made millions in the stock market, he was likely one of the richest people one could know. He had riches greater than diamonds or gold. With his heart and humor, he touched the lives of so many people over his short 58 years. Thus, he was loved and admired by so many who now ache in his absence, but who will carry on his eternal kindness in their day-to-day lives so that he will never be forgotten. Donnie is survived by his wife, Melody “Mel” (Goben) Gibson; three children: Summer (Lucas) Evans, Caleb (Niki) Mumford and Haley Mumford; six grandchildren: Allysa Erdman, Dallas Mumford, Charlotte Evans, Ella Mumford, Violet Evans and Gunner Mumford; his twin sister, Donna (Mark Simons) Gibson; his sister, Audrey Jean Sprolls; his brothers, Gary Gibson and Johnnie Gibson (Alceda); special uncle, Frankie Ferguson; and father-in-law, Bob Goben. He is also survived by many beloved nieces and nephews, in-laws and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Herbert and Audrey Gibson; his brother, Steven Gibson; and other loved ones. Donnie faced Pancreatic Cancer like a champ. Thanks go out to all who treated him, helped with expenses and provided hugs. Please visit www.pancan.org to learn how to identify the symptoms of Pancreatic Cancer. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Donnie Gibson please visit our Sympathy Store.
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Donnie Gibson July 19 1961 October 7 2019.
Death notice for the town of: Chariton, state: Iowa