Donald Raoul Gibson

Donald Raoul Gibson, 64, of San Tan Valley, Arizona, passed away July 10, 2013. He was born in Tucson, Arizona November 19, 1948 to Bruce and Rowene (Robinson) Gibson. He served a LDS mission in the Brazil South mission where he met his future bride, Marlene Grahl. They were sealed for time and all eternity in the Mesa Arizona LDS Temple December 17, 1970. They lived happily for twenty-four years until Marlene lost her battle with cancer. On January 13, 1996 Don married Beth C. Haynie and together they enjoyed 17 wonderful years. Don loved his family dearly. Don was a graduate of the University of Arizona and received his International MBA at Thunderbird. He served his country as an instructor pilot in the U.S. Air Force and never lost his love of flying, enjoying hours in his Powered Parachute (PPC). He also loved to ride his motorcycle. Don was an avid hiker, and especially enjoyed hiking the Grand Canyon. He also ran and completed multiple marathons including the Salt Lake City and Atlanta Marathons. Don traveled the world for work and was fluent in both Portuguese and Spanish. Loving to travel throughout Arizona, Don and Beth were well on their way to traveling every road in the state. Don was an eclectic book collector, a devoted Scout leader, volunteer firefighter and dedicated member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. His service in the church included serving as a bishop, a Stake President and a counselor in a mission presidency while living in Brazil. Don was a wonderful storyteller. His smile could light up any room and his laugh was infectious. He was loved by many and will be missed by all. Don is survived by his wife, Beth; children, Steve Gibson (Karyn), Brian Gibson (Elaine), Erika Barker, Jenny Hemmert (Lance), Travis Haynie (Maria), Sharon Lovin (Dennis), and Kevin Haynie (Janene); father, Bruce Gibson; siblings, Geff Gibson (Carol), Brenda Shaw (Gary), Dan Gibson (Terrie), Gloria Baker (Steve), Julie Stringfellow (Scott), and Vickie Finlinson (Rock);, and 22 grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his first wife, Marlene (Grahl) Gibson; mother, Rowene Gibson; and grandchildren, Brian Gibson Jr. and Elaine Angel Gibson. A funeral service for Don will be held Wednesday, July 17, 2013, 11:00 a.m. at the LDS Chapel, 1521 East Bella Vista, Queen Creek, Arizona where a visitation will take place at 9:30 a.m. prior to services. On July 19, 2013 a second visitation will take place at 9:00 a.m. with a funeral service at 10 a.m. at McDougal Funeral Home, 4330 S. Redwood Road, Taylorsville, UT 84123. Interment will follow at Utah Veterans Cemetery and Memorial Park, 17111 S. Camp Williams Rd. Bluffdale, Utah. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Don Gibson Memorial Fund by contacting Desert Schools Federal Credit Union. Hobbies:Hiking and runningOccupation:InstructorOccupation:LDS Church