Daniel Leo Gibson, Sr., passed away July 9, 2023, at his home surrounded by his loving family in Hollis, Oklahoma at the age of eighty-seven.
On August 4, 1935, in Huntington, West Virginia, Damon Gibson and Clara (Malcolm) Gibson welcomed their son, Daniel Leo Gibson to their family. Daniel was raised in the foothills of West Virginia. He graduated from Huntington High School. Following his graduation at the age of seventeen, he enlisted in the United States Army with consent from his aunt. Daniel was highly motivated and wanted to serve his country to the best of his ability. He trained relentlessly to earn his ranger tab and became a decorated paratrooper. He even was honored with the distinction of being, soldier of the month while stationed at Fort Hood. Daniel was the youngest sergeant stationed at Fort Hood. During his time, he ventured into the Depot Café in Brownwood, Texas where the stars aligned, and Daniel would meet the love of his life, Janie Amelia Alvarado. Daniel was deployed to Korea and proudly served in the Korean War. He served in the second infantry division, second battalion, twenty-third regiment, and company M. During his time in Korea, he engaged in several combat operations and battles. He was awarded several awards and accommodations for his time in the service, but he was always focused on the goal of returning home and marrying the beautiful girl from the Depot Café. On August 6, 1955, Daniel achieved his goal of marrying, Janie Amelia Alvarado. Following their marriage, the Gibson family moved to Chicago, Illinois to pursue the American dream. Daniel started working for the railroad as a manager. The family moved to Hollis, Oklahoma where Daniel worked for The Foster Company where he began training as an apprentice welder. In typical Daniel fashion, he threw himself into his work. Through hard work, dedication, and a relentless pursuit of accession excellence Daniel became a master welder. He found his niche in welding, installing, and maintaining grain elevators throughout southwest Oklahoma. Daniel worked for the last twenty years as the manager of Buck Creek Mesquite owned by Don and Tom Fox. He retired in 2021, when his health started wavering. In his free time, Daniel enjoyed fishing, hunting, collecting guns, and teaching marksmanship to his children and grandchildren. He loved his family with an incredible passion that knew no bounds. He made sure to install the values he found the most valuable in children and grandchildren. Daniel leaves a legacy of hard work, love for his country, and dedication to his family.
He was preceded in death by his father, Damon Gibson; mother, Clara (Malcolm) Gibson Brown; brother, Lacey Gibson; granddaughter, Charity Stamps; and great-granddaughter, Chesney Jane Gibson.
Left to honor Daniel’s memory are his beloved wife of sixty-seven years, Janie Amelia Gibson, son, Daniel Leo Gibson, Jr.; daughters, Cynthia Davis and husband David, Vickie Kirkes, Linda Sue Stamm and husband Greg; brothers, Terry Gibson, Tracey Gibson, ten grandchildren, Steven Gibson, Christopher Gibson, Rebecka Harris and husband Cory, Dale Montgomery, Andrew Gibson, Chance Cain, Nicholas Kirkes, Chaz Martin, Katherine HeDaire, Christopher Day; Seven-teen great-grandchildren, numerous nieces, nephews, and other extended family members.
In lieu of flowers, the Gibson family request donations may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.
The Gibson family will be receiving friends from 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Thursday, July 13, 2023, at Harmon County Funeral Home, Hollis, Oklahoma.
Graveside services will be 1:00 p.m. Friday, July 14, 2023, at Fort Sill National Cemetery in Elgin, Oklahoma with military honors by the United States Army Honor Guard.
Services have been entrusted to Harmon County Funeral Home,
To send flowers in memory of Daniel Leo Gibson, Sr., visit the Tribute Store.
Previous Events
Visitation
13
Jul
417 East Broadway
Hollis, OK 73550
Funeral
14
Jul
2648 NE Jake Dunn Rd.
Elgin, OK 73551
Cemetery Details
Location
2505 Pawnee Avenue
--Select Day--
Altus, OK 73521
