Donald Gibbs

Donald Stephen Gibbs, 97, Topeka, born August 2, 1912 in Newcastle NE to John F. Gibbs and Mary E. Malone. died in his home with his family gathered around him on Sun., May 30, 2010. He was preceded in death by his siblings: Melvin, Larry, Lois and Vera Gibbs; his wife Maxine H. Marx Gibbs and their daughter, Mary Jane (Janie) Gibbs Basile. Don graduated from Yankton College with a BBA in 1932, in Yankton SD then worked as a photographer in Minnesota followed by Field Agent for Dunhan Bradstreet until he was drafted into the US Army, 103rd Division in 1942. He married Maxine H. Marx in Falls City NE, Oct. 18, 1941. After his discharge in 1946, they moved to Topeka KS where Don was a business manager in downtown Topeka for Midwest Appliance Store and retired from Ed Marlings’ Stores in 1979. After retirement, Don remained active in the Topeka Community renovating homes/rentals during the 1970s and 1980s then managed his son’s small farm in Rantoul, Kansas. Don was an active member of Holy Name Catholic (Mater Dei) parish, Knights of Columbus Council No. 8059 and Hayden High School Father’s Club. Don remained an avid supporter and fan of all his children’s and grandchildren’s academic, athletic, and music activities for the last 60 years. Don volunteered for many years at Brewster Retirement Community and Heart of America Hospice where he presented information to staff and support groups regarding the family’s perspective on caregiving for those who live with Alzheimer’s Disease. Don was instrumental in development and fundraising for the Maxine Gibbs Celebration of Life Fund, Brewster Foundation, created at the time of his wife, Maxine’s death. Don’s children and grandchildren include, the late Janie Basile, children Anne, Steve, and Dave; Steve (Lynn) Gibbs, children Leah, Lara and Jake; and John (Diane) Gibbs and son Will, all of Santa Fe NM; Joyce (Joe) Smith of Liberty MO, Sue (Steve) Huston of Topeka KS, children Tom, Dan and Katie; and Pat (Bernie) Bottenberg, Perry KS, children Joe and Tim Pennington; four step-grandchildren; thirteen great-grandchildren and eleven step-great-grandchildren. Family will greet friends from 5 to 6:30 Fri. at Kevin Brennan Family Funeral Home, 2801 SW Urish Rd, Topeka KS 66614, followed by a presentation of family memories. Due to road construction, please approach from 21st and Urish Road. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Sat. at Mater Dei Assumption Church. Burial will be in Mt. Calvary Cemetery. Memorial contributions are suggested to the Maxine Gibbs Celebration of Life Fund at Brewster Place sent in care of the funeral home.

Donald Gibbs

August 2, 1912 - June 4, 2010