John Gibson

(From Derfelt Funeral Home)

John Scott Gibson, age 76, passed away on Jan. 9, 2024 at his home. John was born April 16, 1947 to the parents of Clifford and Ann (Anderson) Gibson. John grew up in Chanute, KS.

He graduated from high school and attended 2 years at Neosho County Community College in Chanute. He then worked as a welder for 3 years to save enough money to go to college. He graduated from PSU, Pittsburg, KS, where he attended 2 years of Electrical school, then 2 years of Electrical Engineering. 

He was hired by Empire District Electric on June 19, 1970, on his wedding day. His interview caused him to be late, really late, to his own wedding. He worked for Empire District for 39 years, first as a coal handler at the Asbury, MO plant. He then became a meter reader, then meter tester. His last job was system meter tester.

John was very active in St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, in Galena, KS where he served on different committees. He was a 4th degree Knights of Columbus member. He was a Grand Knight twice, treasurer, and District Deputy. As District Deputy, he started a council in Columbus, and Chetopa KS. In 1992, he was honored to go to the National Convention in New York City where Mother Theresa spoke at Mass and convention.

John Volunteered at Ronald McDonald House in Joplin, MO for 15 years until he was diagnosed with cancer. As an Eagle Scout, he continued in the Boy Scout program volunteering as a scout leader for Troop 66. His greatest pastime was camping and vacationing with his family.

John married Donna M Born on June 19, 1970 in St. Paul, KS. John is survived by his wife, Donna (Born) Gibson of 53 years; 3 children, Karla Watkins (Shaun), Valley Center, KS, Carol Gandy (William III) Riverton, KS and Shane Gibson, (Danica) Galena: 9 grandchildren, Zachary (Shaya) Charles, Alex Charles, Courtney (Caleb) Dykes, Kaitlyn Gandy, William Gandy IV, Destiny Gandy, Dani Jo Gandy, Alena Gibson, and Elizabeth Gibson; one great-granddaughter, Charlotte “Charli” Charles; and two sisters, Michalann Allen , Wichita, and Nancy Campbell (Tom) Pittsford, NY.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Clifford and Ann Gibson.

Rosary prayer service will be at 5:30 pm, Friday, January 12, 2024 at Derfelt Funeral Home, Galena, KS. The family will then receive friends from 6:00 -7:30 pm at the funeral home.

Funeral Mass will be at 10:30 am, Saturday, January 13, 2024 at St Patrick’s Catholic Church, Galena, KS. The Celebrant will be Fr. Jeremy Huser. Burial will be at 2:00 pm, Saturday at St Francis Cemetery, St. Paul, KS.

Memorial contributions may be made to Ronald McDonald House, Joplin, MO or Mass cards in care of the funeral home.