John O Gibson

John O. Gibson was born at the family home in Mt. Erie, Illinois, on December 18, 1929, to Harry and Lucy Gibson. He was the youngest of two children and shared a special bond with his favorite sister, Dorothy.

In June of 1944 at the age of 14, John moved with his parents to Powell. He attended Powell High School, where he met the love of his life, Beverly Keller. John and Bev married, raised four wonderful children, and shared an adventurous 70 years of marriage.

John sincerely loved his family. Over his 95 years, he and his loved ones created countless memories that will forever be treasured - camping, hunting, fishing, and picnicking, just to name a few.

The day after arriving in Powell, at the age of 14, he went to work at the old Conoco Station on Main Street, an early sign of the lifelong work ethic that would define him. He spent 41 years building a dedicated career with Montana Dakota Utilities, a journey that took him from Powell to Lovell, to Devils Lake, ND, to Mandan, ND, to Jamestown, ND, to Rapid City, SD, to Billings, MT, and finally to Bismarck, ND. But no matter where work led him, returning to Powell was always his retirement dream.

During retirement, John and Bev spent their summers as campground hosts - ranging from the coast of California to Alaska to Devils Lake, ND, and nearly everywhere in between but their favorites were Henrys Lake, Idaho, and the North Fork of the Shoshone River going towards Yellowstone. They spent their winters in Arizona, where John enjoyed volunteering in his retirement community, carving wooden treasures for his children and grandchildren, reading old western novels, and going out to eat with friends. He often reflected with gratitude on the wonderful people they met through his MDU career, their winters down south, their campground hosting years, and their life in Powell.

John was preceded in death by his parents, Harry and Lucy Gibson; his devoted wife, Beverly; his daughter, Connie; his sister, Dorothy; and his in-laws Wes Hedrick, Jerry Keller, Ron and Mary Keller, and Ben Keller.

He is survived by his son John “Jack” (Peggy) Gibson; his son Stewart Gibson; his daughter Toni (Ray) Cartwright; his sister-in-law Joyce Keller; 12 grandchildren; 39 great-grandchildren; 5 great-great-grandchildren; and many loving nieces and nephews.

Livestream link: https://www.facebook.com/events/860818787119358/