He was a loving husband, father, stepfather, grandfather, and great grandfather. He was known for his gregarious personality and sense of humor. Having grown up in tough circumstances, he was a kind, inclusive man who sought out ways to help those less fortunate.
Don was born in Brooklyn, NY January 14, 1936 to Catherine Dixon and Jack Gibson. He grew up in Brooklyn attending local public schools ultimately graduating from Franklin K. Lane High School in 1952. He attended night school at City College of New York while working attaining a B.Sc. degree in Industrial Relations in 1959.
He went on to a distinguished career as a human resource leader including over 20 years as human resource director for Chemical Abstracts Service, a division of the American Chemical Society in Columbus, OH. Following that, he started his own human resource consulting business which served numerous small Central Ohio businesses.
Don was active throughout his life in the Salvation Army Corps in Brooklyn, NY, Northern, NJ, Central OH, and finally in the Myrtle Beach, SC area (Conway, SC). He particularly enjoyed his involvement in Salvation Army brass and vocal music as both a musician and bandmaster. Over the years, he became skilled in playing all types of brass band instruments.
Community Service was important to Don throughout his life. He was active in various Columbus area Kiwanis International chapters, and is a past president of the Columbus Centennial chapter. He is also a past member of the Columbus area Humane Society. Don also participated in and led several Salvation Army programs of the Worthington Chapel.
He is survived by his wife Linda Tomblin, sons, Donald, Jr. (Patricia), Ted (Corinne), and David, step-son Andy Tomblin (Stephanie) and step-daughters Mary Rochester (Don), and Katie Haskins (Justin). He is also survived by 6 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren. He was predeceased by his first wife of 54 years, Joan Gibson.
Calling hours are at 10:00AM Wednesday, August 17 at Schoedinger Funeral Home, 6699 N. High Street in Worthington, OH 43085 followed by a service at 11:00am also at Schoedinger with burial to follow immediately after at Kingwood Memorial Park in Columbus.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Salvation Army, 1415 2nd Ave., Conway, SC 29526 to support their charitable efforts.
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