Arlo W. Gibson

Arlo Gibson, 93, Panhandle pioneer and lifelong resident, passed away Tuesday morning, April 17, 2018 at Hospice of the Southwest, Amarillo, Texas.

The son of Vera Opal (Gilbert) and Harold Gibson, Arlo Wendell was born March 8, 1925 on the Gibson family ranch, in the Grand Valley community near Hardesty, Oklahoma.  Arlo was the second son born to Opal and Harold, and the Gibson family would add another son and two daughters to their family.  Arlo, along with his siblings, attended the Grand Valley one-room school until it closed and they transferred to Hardesty School, where Arlo graduated from high school in 1943.  The Gibson family farmed, sold garden produce and ran livestock near the Palo Duro River.  They were able to persevere during the tough Depression and Dust Bowl years, with Arlo and his family learning many lessons of hard work and hard times.

Arlo married his high school sweetheart, Martha Mae Gum on March 25, 1944 and soon shipped out to serve in World War II.  As a United States Marine, he was injured at Okinawa, in the South Pacific Theatre.  After an extensive hospitalization and recovery, the young soldier returned to Okinawa and then was sent to North China to disarm the Japanese, returning to his bride and home to the Panhandle for Pioneer Days, 1946.  Arlo, with his helpmate Martha, began establishing their livestock and farm and started their family of beautiful Gibson girls.  In addition to farming, Arlo worked at the Panhandle Eastern Pipeline Company, before implementing a small dairy into their operation. 

Family and faith were the cornerstone to Martha and Arlo and they were devoted members of Bethel Baptist Church.  Arlo helped build and support the Gibson Baptist Assembly, serving on the Camp Board of Directors.  The entire family has enjoyed the Camp and children over these many years.  Arlo was active in the Gideons and was a member of the Guymon Masonic Lodge, #335 for more than 65 years.  Known for his work ethic, wisdom and honest leadership, Arlo enjoyed his membership on many boards, including the Western Division and the Southern Region of the  Association of Milk Producers Coop, Hardesty School Board, Memorial Hospital of Texas County, Hardesty Senior Citizens, and Panhandle Telephone Co-op trustee. 

In 2001, Arlo Gibson was honored as the Guymon Pioneer Day’s Parade Marshal.  In his Guymon Daily Herald Pioneer Day biography, he quoted, “Martha and I are not rich in a monetary sense, but we are very, very rich in family and friends.  I’m very thankful for the many opportunities that I have been given.  I just hope that, in my passing this way, I have left things a little better than I found them.” 

In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths. Proverbs 3:6

Arlo is survived by his bride of 74 years, Martha Gibson; their daughters, Jeannie and husband, Charles Lewallen of Longdale, OK, Vicki and husband, Jesse Martin of Hardesty; Kathy and husband, David L. Stump of Hardesty; and Jo Wilkins of Norman, OK; two sisters, Bonnie and husband, Noel Miller of Oklahoma City and Darlene Breen of Southlake, TX; sisters-in-law, Ruby Gibson of Hardesty and Burnetha Jackson of Amarillo, TX; and a son-in-law, Robert Burns.  He was a loving and doting grandfather to his thirteen grandchildren and their spouses, Brandi (Brandon) Nyberg, Heather (Brent) Davis, Kevin (Sarah) Lewallen, Steve (Dana) Martin, Scott Martin, Jessica (Paul) Jacobs, A.G. (Marsha) Roesener, Piper (J.J.) Simonsen, Katrina (Josh) Crocker, Krista (Dex) Stinson, Amanda (Blake) Merritt, Lindsay (Al Ojile) and Kara Wilkins; and 22 great grandchildren, Bowin, Brevin, Brya and Braci Nyberg, Tanner and Kambree Davis, Laken and Ledger Lewallen, Brooklyn and Lincoln Martin, Austin and Eli Jacobs, Jackson and Kayleigh Simonsen, Austin and Mia Roesener, Samuel Crocker, Leah Stinson, Reed Colbert, Grey Merritt, Amare and Myla Ojile.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers, Leon Gibson and Vernon Gibson, his daughter, Arlene Burns, granddaughter, Arla Wilkins, great granddaughter, Lanie Lewallen, brother-inl-law, James H. Breen, and son-in-law, Curt Wilkins.

Funeral services will be conducted Saturday afternoon, April 21st, 2:00 PM at the Hardesty Auditorium, with grandson, Steve Martin, officiating.  U.S. Marine Reserve will conduct Military Honors.  Interment will follow in Elmhurst Cemetery, Guymon, Oklahoma.

Visitation will be Friday, noon to 7:00 PM, at the Henson-Novak Funeral Home, 501 NW Fifth, Guymon, with the family being present, 5:00-7:00 PM.  Friends may sign the online guest book and send condolences at www.hensonnovak.com.

In lieu of floral gifts, the family has suggested that memorials be given to the Gibson Baptist Assembly Camp, c/o Henson-Novak Funeral Directors, P.O. Box 1306, Guymon, OK 73942.

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