Richard Gibson

Hastings resident, Richard L. Gibson, 78, passed away Sunday, December 13, 2015 at his home, after a two year battle with pancreatic cancer.

Services will be Friday, December 18, 2015; 11:00 A.M. at Evangelical Free Church, Hastings with Pastor Matt Sass officiating. Burial will be in Parkview Cemetery, Hastings. Memorials may be given to Hastings Evangelical Free Church. Visitation will be Thursday, December 17, 2015; 9:00 A.M. - 7:00 P.M. with family present 5:00 P.M. - 7:00 P.M. at the funeral home, and one hour prior to service at the church.

Richard L. Gibson was born on August 20, 1937 in Nebraska City, Nebraska, the son of Oscar and Hilda (Trudeau) Gibson. He grew up on a farm near Percival, Iowa and graduated from Percival High School in 1955. He joined the United States Air Force in 1956 and served four years, serving in the United States, South Korea and Spokane, Washington. In 1959 he met and married Joann Elmore. To this union three sons were born Randy, Fred and Jim. Richard returned to Nebraska from the Air Force in 1960 and was employed in the farm store business in Nebraska City. In 1964 he and Joann moved to Seward, Nebraska where he worked for Farm & City and S & S Farm Supply as a buyer and store manager until 1967. He was last employed at Ford New Holland in Grand Island, Nebraska until retiring in December 1992 after 25 years of service. On November 28, 1986 Richard married Bonnie (Wahl) Simmons. Bonnie had one son, Mike D. Simmons. In 1993 Richard started R & B Lawn Mowing, Inc. with step-son Mike D. Simmons, who took over the business in 2015. He was dearly loved and will be missed by his family, Bridge Builders Sunday School Class, McDonald's North coffee group, and many dear friends.

Richard was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Betty, Sue, and Ida Louise; and nephew, Bruce Welniak.

SURVIVORS:
Wife of 29 years:
Bonnie Gibson - Hastings, NE
Sons & Spouses:
Randy & Lori Gibson - Alda, NE
Fred Gibson - Montgomery, IL
Jim & Dewi Gibson - San Antonio, TX
Step-Son & Spouse:
Mike D. & Julie Simmons - Hastings, NE
Sister & Spouse:
Fern & Gene Welniak - Roswell, NM
Grandchildren:
Nate Gibson - IL
Abby Gibson - IL
Luke Gibson - IL
Hayden Gibson - Alda, NE
Johnna & Dan Wasick - Grand Island, NE
Trevor Gibson - San Antonio, TX
Quinn M. Simmons - Hastings, NE; who called Rich his Papa
Great-Grandson:
Logan D. Wasick who was born August 23, 2013
Mother-in-law:
Leona L. Wahl
Nieces & Nephews