John Gibson

A celebration honoring John Gibson's life is being hosted by his family at Baxa's Sutliff Store & Tavern, 5546 White Oak Avenue NE, Sutliff, Iowa, on Sunday, November 2, from 1-4 p.m. John Robert Gibson joined his wife and soulmate, Melanie Marie Gibson, on June 10, 2025. John's struggle with his loss, grief, and pain was overwhelming. John was born February 22, 1966 in Cedar Rapids, IA, and graduated from Washington High School. He earned his degree in Criminal Justice from Mount Mercy College. John began his career in law enforcement with the Linn County Sheriff's Department and then became an officer with the Cedar Rapids Police Department. He worked with the CRPD for 17 years where he made many friends and left them with many memorable stories to share. John was known for his love of fishing, hunting, and spending time on the water. He enjoyed his trips to Canada and other places to indulge in his outdoor hobbies. He and Melanie took many memorable trips together because of their shared love of fishing and being around nature. John loved all animals. He spoiled all of their dogs and their two cats, George and Lennie. They made their home in Sutliff, IA, where their friends were an extension of their family. John had a way of making everyone laugh, either at him or with him. He was very charming and had a welcoming smile that could put anyone at ease. Even with his dry sense of humor, he was loved by many. He had a huge heart. He couldn't say no when it came to helping someone in need, it didn't matter if he knew them or not. This world was a better place with him in it. John loved his family. He enjoyed spending time with his niece Kylee and nephew Grayson. He loved seeing Kylee in her dance recitals, activities at school and just spending time hanging out. Grayson was just a baby when Melanie passed but John got to watch him grow, making it a priority to spend time with him every week. He looked forward to family get-togethers where he could spend time with those he loved the most but didn't see as often. John will be forever missed by his sister Dayna Gibson Hauerwas (Shannon) of Cedar Rapids, niece Kylee Crumbo (Jake), sister Melissa Rogers, nephew Grayson, stepsister April Rich Murray, nephews Nicholas and Quintin, mother-in-law Jan Rogers, brother-in-law Mike Rogers (Paula) of Gulf Shores, AL, his Aunt Mary and Uncle Clark McLeod of CR, Aunt Delores Lyon, Lexington, NC. and his many cousins that he loved deeply. John was preceded in death by his wife of 30 years, Melanie, his mother, Joni Thornton, his fathers; Robert Fadness, D. Bruce Gibson, and stepfather Romaine Thornton and most recently, his Uncle Alan Lyon of Lexington, NC. The love John had, gave and shared with his friends, family and wife Melanie, is everlasting.