Donald Leo Gibbs

Donald Leo Gibbs was born February 20, 1940, in Sidney, MT, to Leo and Norma Mae Jacobson Gibbs. When Don was about five years old, they moved to Missoula, then Hamilton, in western Montana. He grew up delivering papers and mowing lawns throughout Hamilton. At 13, the family moved to Boise, ID, where his father opened several drive-in restaurants where Don worked throughout Junior and Senior High School. He was active in church and became a company commander of the Army ROTC during his high school days. He studied engineering at the University of Washington 1958-1961, and became a member of the Air Force ROTC. In 1963, he decided to join the Naval Air Command because he wanted to fly. Just as he was about to begin his flying career at Sandpoint Naval Air Station in Seattle, he met Norene Louise Taplett. They were married June 12, 1965, in Wenatchee, WA. Following his honorable discharge in '65, Don attended Northwest Bible College in Kirkland, WA and worked at Boeing. After an industrial accident, he decided to start his own Specialty Auto Sales in Lynnwood, WA. During those early years, Don began to be a Youth Director and Sunday School teacher. He loved teaching young people. In the fall of 1970, the family moved to Boise, ID, where Don used his engineering training in designing and building homes. He spent eight years in residential homebuilding in Boise and received special recognition from the American Institute of Architects, as the best residential designer in the State of Idaho. His designs attracted attention from Sunset Magazine. He and his brother-in-law were pioneers in design of residential solar energy applications. He also was invited to speak for the Federal Energy Research Development Association at the International Congress on Solar Energy. He definitely had a gift for design and he wanted his buyers to feel like they were "On Vacation" when they got home. Don continued to minister as Youth Director/Sunday School Teacher and Elder, throughout his years in Boise. In 1978, Don began to build a home in Wenatchee and moved the family to Washington State to be near Norene's family. Don continued designing and building homes through June of 1981. At this time, an opportunity came to pioneer a Foursquare Church in Chelan. Many wonderful things happened through that little church during the 12 years Don pastored there. Lives which were broken and devastated, were changed by God. Don did various building projects, plus drove school bus to support his family while Pastoring in Chelan from '81-'93. Don had a heart for those who would not be comfortable in a traditional church setting. In 1999, he began a church in Wenatchee called "A Jesus Place For Joe Average." He had a lot of unconditional love for everyone, which encouraged many to begin to walk with God. He loved the outdoors, mountain climbing, motorcycling and camping with his grandchildren. Don has valiantly battled cancer since 2002. This past year, during his weakest times, he preached for the Hospitality House, sometimes 2-3 Sundays per month. He also held a Monday afternoon Bible Study for the men there. He never wanted to stop ministering, because that was when he felt the strongest physically and spiritually. Don is survived by his wife, Norene (Taplett) of the home; his daughter, Shelley (David) Lewis; sons, Matthew (Kristin) of Naches and Ronald (Svetlana) of Entiat; nine grandchildren; sisters, Gigi (Pete) Blankers of Lynden and Marilyn (David) Harder of Coulee Dam; sisters and brothers-in-law, Mandy Jo (John) Savoia, Debra (David) Jongeward and Dean (Roxanne) Taplett; and many nieces and nephews. It was a wonderful experience to have this man of God be our father, husband and grandfather. His busy life of giving of himself to others, brought many joys, as well as opportunities for growth in us all. He was loved by many in Chelan, Boise, Seattle, Hamilton, as well as Wenatchee. Don was a faithful servant who shared Christ's love to all. He wants his home-going to be a "Celebration". He has set a wonderful example of a fruitful life and is a challenge to us all. A Graveside Service will be held on Wednesday, December 19, 2007, at 12:00 p.m. at Evergreen Memorial Park. The graveside will be followed by a Memorial Service at Calvary Bible Church, Wenatchee at 1:30 pm. Visitation will be held on Tuesday December 18, 2007, from 3 to 7 p.m. and Wednesday 9 to 11 a.m. at Telford's Chapel of the Valley. Memorials may be made to Hospitality House Ministries, 1450 S. Wenatchee Avenue, Wenatchee, WA 98801. Telford's Chapel of the Valley, East Wenatchee is in charge of arrangements