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Gerald Forrest Gibbons (74) beloved husband, father, grandfather and friend, left this world September 8th surrounded by his family after a valiant battle with cancer. A memorial service celebrating his life will take place Saturday, September 13, 2008 at 2:00 PM, at French Mortuary Westside Chapel. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorials be made to the American Cancer Society, the American Lung Association or Vista Care Hospice Foundation. "Gibb" was born March 1, 1934 in Newell, Iowa to Doris and Lester Gibbons. At a young age he became interested in flying, obtaining his private pilots license before he graduated from Omaha Technical High School in 1952. He served in the Air Force from 1954-1957 as a radar operator and was stationed in Germany. By working odd jobs to finance his flying, and doing everything "the hard way," he was fortunate enough to turn his love of flight into a life-long career. He married Jacquolyn Longsine on July 19, 1958 in Omaha, Nebraska. He and Jackie raised two sons, Todd and Brett, in whom he instilled his love of flying. In 1964, after living for a short time in Albuquerque, he moved his family to Dallas when he was hired as a pilot for Trans Texas Airways. At age 38 he became a Captain on the Convair 600, later upgrading to the DC 9. Gibb and Jackie moved back to Albuquerque in 1981 and he finished his career with Continental Airlines (which was bought by Trans Texas Airways/Texas International). During his 30-year stint in the airlines, he accumulated over 30,000 hours of flight time. Gibb loved gardening, NASCAR, the Reno Air Races, and a cold beer. He considered everyone he ever met as a "friend." Gibb was preceded in death by parents Lester and Doris Gibbons, and sister Margel Sowell. Final Flight Cleared for take off: Heaven's in sight Visibility unlimited for this final flight. The flight plan has been filed, no bags to pack No cumbersome luggage to hold you back. Gear up Captain Gibbons for this final flight. Destination Heaven will arrive on time. Jesus is waiting at Gate Cloud Nine. Cleared for landing, now is the time To say good-bye to loved ones left behind. Cleared for landing, God's air strip in sight Smooth touch down ahead - It's been a wonderful flight. Jacquolyn Gibbons September 7, 2008 Gibb is survived by his wife of 50 years, Jacquolyn of Rio Rancho; son, Todd and wife, Gwen of Azle, Texas; son, Brett and wife, Malinda of Reno, Nevada; grandchildren, Taylor, Grant and Garrett of Azle, Texas; sister, Judith Gaines and husband, Bob of Albuquerque; sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Barbara and Gerald Skiles of Scottsbluff, Nebraska; brother-in-law, Keith Longsine of Holdrege, Nebraska; 15 nieces and nephews and a multitude of friends. French Mortuary 9300 Golf Course Rd NW (505) 897-0300 www.frenchmortuary.com
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