David Lee Gibler

It is with both sadness and joy that the family of David Lee Gibler announce his passing from this earth and to his join his Lord and savior, Jesus in the life ahead. He passed away peacefully in his sleep on June 7th, a day before his 97th birthday. Dave was born in Cincinnati, Ohio where he grew up on a farm with his sister and parents until he joined the US Navy attending Swarthmore College and ultimately completing his education at Purdue University in Aeronautical Engineering. He was recruited by McDonnell Douglas Aircraft and moved to Manhattan Beach, CA immediately upon graduation where he met the love of his life Sally Sleuman. They were married 70 years ago this month and had three children, Julie, Scott and Tim. Dave worked at McDonnell Douglas (Boeing) until his retirement after 41 years. His projects included multiple commercial and military aircraft designs with his most recent being the Chief Structural Engineer on the C-17 military plane which is still in use today. Upon his retirement, Dave and Sally moved to Littleton, CO where he redirected his focus to painting with oils and watercolors and became a quite accomplished painter in the local community. Dave was a caring gentle man who loved his wife and children, his Lord and gave willingly of his time and resources to others. He will be deeply missed. He is survived by his wife Sally, his children Julie, Scott and Tim and their spouses, five grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

A celebration of life will take place on July 7th at 1:30 pm at Holly Creek Senior Living Center.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.olingerchapelhill.com for the Gibler family.