Don Lee Gibson

Don Lee Gibson was born to Ernest Lee Gibson and Willie Dee (LaCount) Gibson in Wynnewood, Oklahoma on March 14, 1936. He had one older brother, James William (Bill) Gibson, who gave his life in WWII. Don passed away at home on December 21, 2023 in Parker, CO at the age of 87 after a long bout with heart and lung disease.

He is survived by Shirley (Hurst) Gibson, his wife of 65 years, their daughter, D’Nelle (Gibson) Macaluso, her husband Gregg and their sons Ben and Adam Macaluso. He was a brother-in-law to Shirley’s seven siblings and their spouses, and uncle to many nieces and nephews.

Don grew up in the Oklahoma country where he graduated high school in 1954. He attended East Central University in Ada, OK where he met Shirley. He chauffeured Shirley who was on a date with her friend’s cousin. Don was easily much better company than her friend’s cousin and he and Shirley started dating soon after. They married on January 30, 1958 in Las Vegas at the Hitchin’ Post.

They moved to Inglewood, California in 1961 so Don could work as an engineer in the aerospace industry. They moved to Downey, CA where he worked nights while going to school at CSU Long Beach where he earned his bachelors in Education. He subsequently attained a Masters in Education at Pepperdine University. After purchasing their first home in Cypress, CA, he taught high school woodworking and drafting until his retirement in 1991.

They moved to Colorado to be with family after retirement. Don loved living near the mountains and spending many vacations with his grandsons. A few of his favorite things include his family, bluegrass music, Harleys, sports cars, clocks, and anything made of wood.

A viewing will be held on Thursday, December 28, 2023 at 10:00 AM at Olinger Andrews Caldwell Gibson Chapel, 407 Jerry Street, Castle Rock, CO 80104. A celebration of Don’s life will follow at the chapel at 12:00 noon with a reception afterwards.

In lieu of flowers please make a donation to the American Heart Association or Plant Memorial Trees in Colorado.