Joe Michael Gibson

Services for Joe Gibson, which mention we carried last week, were held Saturday at 2 o’clock, the Rev Shay of Alliance, conducted the service in the St. Joseph’s Episcopal Ch.  Mrs. Glenna Buchfinck sang, accompanied by Mrs. Virginia Eriksen, at the organ.  Interment was in the Cedarview Cemetery, Mullen, with David Walker in charge of the burial.

The pallbearers were Donald Carr, LeRoy Borders, William Pearson, Roanald Carr, Willis Wakely, Albert French.  Honorary pallbearers:  Lloyd L. Ginkens, Ray Henry Sexton, Jim Ginkens, Dennis Fleson, Geo. Maire, Ivan Boyer, Don Sullivan and Raymond Ridenour.  The obituary reads:

Joe “Mike” was born May 14, 1931, at Mullen, Nebraska, and passed away January 31, 1951, age 19 years, 8 months and 17 days, at the St. Joseph’s Hospital at Alliance, Nebraska.  He was laid “at rest” in Cedarview Cemetery, February 3, 1951, following a service at St. Joseph’s Episcopal  Church at Mullen, Nebraska.  The same church in which he was baptised, confirmed and attended Sunday school and church services.  He had also attended the Altar at All Saints Episcopal Church at Eclipse, Nebraska, as well as his own church, when needed.

His entire school life was spent in Mullen Grade School and Hooker County High School at Mullen, Nebraska.  He graduated with the Class of 1949, which he served as class president.  He delivered the Salutatory at the Commencement program.  When a Junior in High School he was chosen a member of Boys State and attended their session in Lincoln, Nebraska.  Since then he was intensely interested in Government affairs of not only our own nation, but of the whole world.

He played basketball in both grade and high school and since graduating, on the Town Team and acted as referee for the High School games.

He liked to hunt, fish, swim and any other sports available to him.  He played the baritone in the high school band for five years and was a member of the boy’s chorus.  He took part in the school plays and entertainments and served willingly in public benefit performances, and was always ready to do his share in all school, church, and public affairs.  He had traveled over most of the United States and some of Canada and was interested and enjoyed learning and seeing everything.

He started stamp collecting while very young and maintained his interest in it, always working over his stamps when he found time to do it.

After graduation he entered the cattle business with his brother Barney and their father and liked the out-door life and riding the range.

He leaves to mourn his death, his parents, Mr. and Mrs. J. A. Gibson of Mullen, Nebraska; his brother, John A. Gibson Jr., and wife betty of Mullen, Nebraska; his sister, Shirley, (Mrs. Wm. J. Wuelzer) and husband Bill, of ElCerrito, California; his sister Jeffie (Mrs. Darrell R. McMannis) and husband “Mac,” of Iuka, Kansas; his brother Barney Bill Gibson of the United States Army, Fort Riley, Kansas; his grandfather, Wm. Gibson of Mullen, Nebraska and other relatives and friends who knew him and loved him.

“Death is not extinguishing the light; It is putting out the lamp because dawn has come.”