Don Gibson, 77, devoted husband, father and grandfather, passed away with his children and grandchildren by his side after a courageous battle with esophageal cancer.

Born on December 2, 1943 in Springfield, Mo. to Truman and Thelma Gibson, Don grew up in Springfield and graduated from Parkview High School. He met the love of his life, Judy Gibson, at Fisher's Hi-Boy drive-in and they married on April 23, 1966. Don and Judy created a beautiful life together in Springfield where they raised their boys; Todd, Mike, Eric and Jon.

A natural entrepreneur and businessman, Don began operating a laundry mat and invested in his first real estate property as a teenager. After serving in the Army, he started his banking career at Union National Bank in downtown Springfield. The majority of his career was spent at Great Southern Bank where he ultimately served as an executive for the company, retiring in 2000. In 2002 he joined Guaranty Bank as president and CEO and retired as Chairman of the Board in 2016.

Throughout his life, he was a member and volunteer of many business, social and community groups, including Springfield Jaycees, Rotary Club, Junior Achievement, American Red Cross and many more. Don had many professional accomplishments and was always willing to share his knowledge and gifts with others. He was a great mentor, teacher and friend to many people.

Don, along with his wife, Judy, treasured the many friendships that they built over the years. They loved traveling the world together and had a full life of adventures. While a very successful businessman, he wasn't always serious. He was known to many for his humor and sarcasm.

Don was devoted to his family and experienced great joy seeing them happy. He was always behind the scenes, helping Judy plan family vacations, smoking ribs on the grill for birthdays and checking off Judy's lists to make sure each holiday was perfect. In retirement, he loved spending time with his grandkids, who adored him, spoiling them any chance he could.

Throughout his life, Don relied on his faith in God and his strong bond with his wife, Judy. Our family finds comfort knowing that they are together again for eternity.

Don is preceded in death by his wife Judy; his son, Eric; his parents Truman and Thelma; his sister Barbara Buff; and sister-in-law Jeannie Gage.

Don is survived by sons Todd (Beth) Gibson; Mike (Kim) Gibson; and Jon (Christi) Gibson; grandchildren, Sydney (23), Brett (21), Eric (20), Kaylee (15), Jacob (7) and Nora (3).

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, February 23 from 10:30 am to 11:30am followed by the funeral mass at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church. A burial immediately following mass at Resurrection Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Jude Children's Hospital.

Masks and social distancing will be observed at the church.  You may view the Mass at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church Springfield, MO Facebook page.