Terry Lee Gibson

Heaven gained a good one. Terry “Punk” Gibson passed away in peace on May 25, 2022. Born in Wallace, Nebraska on July 11, 1945 to Lloyd and Thelma (Favinger) Gibson, he was a two-sport star at Wallace HS before attending the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, graduating June 6, 1970 with a Masters of Science.

Captain Terry Gibson served in South Korea for the Army where he enjoyed flying helicopters but unfortunately was shot down many times by his future wife, Tong Hui, for a date. Eventually, charm and the hallmark Gibson stubbornness won her over and they were married on October 25, 1975. Together they had two children, Timothy and Daniel (Sarah) Gibson, who finally gave him the grandchild he wanted, Marlowe, three weeks before he passed.

Terry was a legend at the Nebraska Department of Transportation where he served nearly 50 years, and was responsible for some of the largest projects in the state, including the redesign of the I-80/I-480 and I-80/I-680 interchanges in Omaha, the innovative elevated West Dodge expressway, and the expansion of I-80 to six lanes between Lincoln and Omaha. He was also among the first to hire women engineers. We’ve heard from so many coworkers who fondly remember him as the best boss they’d ever had.

A selfless and generous husband and father, Terry loved nothing more than spoiling his kids and teasing his wife. He was at his best at family gatherings, one of the few places where his off-beat sense of humor was actually appreciated. He enjoyed Husker football (for better or for worse), a good game of pitch or rummy, and handing out gag gifts at Christmas that no one wanted. He had a passionate love affair with ice cream, steak and political debates.

In addition to his two sons and beloved wife, Terry is survived by sisters Beverly (Gene) Adkinson, Joyce (Gary) Kuhlmann, Terrlyn (Darrell) Feeney, Vicki (Rod) Koenig and many other relatives and friends.

Per his wishes, Terry will be cremated. Not per his wishes, we will not be tossing his ashes out the window of a moving vehicle while driving down the interstate. Instead, join us for a casual visitation at Wilderness Ridge, Yellowstone Ballroom, this Friday June 3 from 3-6pm. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the American Diabetes Association.