Robert L. Gibson

Robert L. Gibson, 85, of Jansen, Nebraska, passed away on August 28, 2020, at his home with the family he loved so dearly at his side.
Bob was born on September 20, 1934, to Ruben L. and Avalene F. (Byrd) Gibson near Gladstone, Nebraska. He was baptized and confirmed into the catholic faith at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church at Gilead.

Bob graduated from Reynolds High School in 1951 and began farming with his father. In the summer of 1952, Bob attended college at Fairbury Junior College and qualified to be an elementary school teacher. He taught for one year in a one room, rural school while continuing
to help his father on the farm.

On June 1, 1953, he was joined in marriage to Shirley M. Cerveny, his high school sweetheart. The ceremony was at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Alexandria, Nebraska. They were blessed with two children, Sharon and Douglas. After their marriage, Bob farmed during the day and worked evenings at the Swanson Chicken Plant in Fairbury (where he lost his taste for chicken). He continued farming for a number of years. In later years, he managed the Gilead Farmers Co-op oil station, was employed at the State of Nebraska weigh station near Hebron, worked as a security officer at the University of Tulsa, and was an employee of Wheelers and later Country General in Fairbury. Bob was the store manager for Country General in Geneva, Nebraska. After tiring of the daily drive to Geneva from Jansen, he stepped down from management from Country General. Bob then became an associate for ACE Hardware in Fairbury until his retirement. Bob continued to stay busy by driving the Blue River Public Transportation Bus in Fairbury and volunteering to deliver Meals on Wheels. He was co-pilot for his daughter, Sharon, helping her deliver meals up to only a few weeks prior to his death.

When his children were young, he was involved with their 4-H projects and was an assistant Scoutmaster for Boy Scouts. Bob enjoyed trips to Minnesota and the mountains, and camping and fishing with family and friends. He and Shirley traveled to Alaska and Washington, D.C. with Sharon as their guide. Bob loved to watch his grandchildren in their activities, be it music, sports, or drama; it didn’t matter. He traveled many miles and sat many hours to be their fan. His Fairbury Schools “Golden Age Pass” was well used. In recent years, Bob was back in the bleachers and lawn chair to watch his great-grandchildrens’ activities. He loved all eight of them and attended their events as long as he was able. Bob also enjoyed following the Lady Husker basketball team. He and Shirley had season tickets for several seasons. For many years, they planted a very large garden and enjoyed sharing the fruits of their labor with friends and family.
Bob will forever be remembered by his wife, Shirley, and daughter, Sharon (Jerry) Ebke of Fairbury; his grandchildren, Mitchell (Jenny) Ebke of Roca; Anne (Kipp) Chappell of Fairbury; and Jill (Ryan) Duell of Lincoln; his great-grandchildren, Beckett and Grady Chappell; Avery, Peyton, Harper, and Cohen Ebke; Rex and Cecila Duell. Bob also left behind his sister, Doris (Joe) Huber of Seward; sister-in-law, Nyla Keilwitz of Gilead; brother-in-law, Junior Cerveny of Fairbury; and numerous nieces and nephews. Bob is preceded in death by his parents, Ruben and Avalene Gibson; son, Douglas; sister and brother-in-law, Francis and Ernest Pracheil; parents-in-law, Emanuel and Nettie Cerveny;
brothers and sisters-in law, Blaine and Elsie Huss; Ray and Marie Snyder; Marilyn Cerveny; and Harold Keilwitz.

Services will be Tuesday, September 1, 2020 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Fairbury.  Family will greet friends Monday evening from 6 – 7 with a Rosary starting at 7 p.m. at the Funeral Home.  Memorials will go the Family’s Choice.  Gerdes-Meyer Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Masks are remcommended.