Donald Vincent Gibson

Donald Vincent Gibson, born in Cleveland, Ohio June 7, 1939, of Visalia, CA died Friday, January 13, 2023 at age 83 from heart failure. Don is survived by his wife Kathryn, and children Janet Keener (Mike), Judy Robertson, Jeannine Elliott (Curtis), Richard Gibson (Sarah), Jennifer Owen (Doug), Matthew Gibson (Mia) and bonus children Courtney Comfort, Jennifer Evenson (Steve), 23 grandchildren, and 21 great grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents and brothers, James, Dana, and Richard and son-in-law, Jeff Robertson. The Gibson family moved to the Visalia area from Ohio in 1949 and there Don graduated from Redwood High School in 1958. Don was a Veteran, having served in the Marines. He completed the CHP Training Academy at Sacramento, CA in 1965 and was subsequently commissioned as a CHP officer. He also obtained an AA degree from the College of the Sequoias in 1970 where he taught law enforcement for 10 years. For the majority of his adult life Don was involved in law enforcement, beginning with the Tulare County Sheriff Department and later moving to the Newark and Visalia, CA police departments. Don served on patrol as a canine handler and as a motor officer at different times. With the CHP, he attained the rank of Sergeant and held that position in various capacities for 36 years, until he retired as the most senior Sergeant in all of California. Frequently, when Don's name is mentioned among law enforcement personnel in the Central Valley, replies are, "he was my instructor at the academy", "he was my Sergeant in the CHP" or, simply put "Don taught me the role of a CHP Officer." Don was a wonderful storyteller and a well-loved co-worker, teacher, supervisor and role model. He was immensely proud to be a member of the CHP. Even more so he loved and was proud of his children, bonus children, their families, and his wife Kathryn. There is a public Memorial and Reception Wednesday, February 1st, at noon at the First Baptist Church of Three Rivers, 42013 Eggers Dr, Three Rivers, CA 93271, where Don served as a Deacon. Don will be buried at the Three Rivers Public Cemetery which he presided over as the Superintendent for several years. Remembrances can be sent to First Baptist Church of Three Rivers and St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Services have been entrusted to Salser & Dillard Funeral Chapel. Memorial Tributes and condolences may be offered by logging onto www.salseranddillard.com.

Donald Vincent Gibson

June 7, 1939 - January 13, 2023