Harry Gibson

The diminishing cohort of World War II veterans became one fewer in number on June 26, 2005 when SMSgt (USAF, Retired) Harry Elton Gibson of Siloam Springs rejoined many of his former comrades from that conflict. Born on December 17, 1919 in Albuquerque, New Mexico, he was the son of the late William Henry Harrison Gibson and Calla Jane (Suiter) Gibson. His father dug oil wells so the family moved frequently among sites in New Mexico, Texas, Oklahoma, and Kansas during his growing up years. Graduating from Plainville High School, Plainville, Kansas in 1937, he dug oil wells until May 22, 1939 when he enlisted in the United States Army from his home in Royalty, Texas. In World War II, he served in the Army Air Corps. Like many of his generation, he did not talk about his service in the war. However, his official service record confirms he served in four campaigns: Algeria-French Morocco, Tunisia, Naples-Foggia, and Air Offensive ? Europe. After the war, he was assigned to Mitchel Field, Long Island, New York where he met and married Marion Edith Bolles in February 1946. Harry and Marion had three children, Calla Jane, Terry Jo, and Harry, Jr. Harry remained in military service, transferring from the Army to the Air Force when that Service was established in 1947. He was stationed in New York, Alaska, South Carolina, Florida, Texas, and Germany. On July 1, 1970, after 31 years, 1 month, and 9 days of duty, he retired from active duty and moved to Siloam Springs, Arkansas where he began a second career at Brand Rex. He was preceded in death by his parents, one sister (Garnet), and eight brothers (Victor, Nelson, William, Lloyd, Jack, Joseph, Mack, and Daniel). He is survived by his wife Marion of Siloam Springs, children Calla J. Ball of San Antonio, Texas, Terry J. Raleigh of Phoenix, Arizona, and Harry E. Gibson, Jr. of Virginia Beach, Virginia who carries on the family tradition of military service with a career in the Navy. He also leaves behind eleven grandchildren. Harry Sr.?s surviving siblings are his brother Lewis G. ?Pete? Gibson of California, and his sister Barabara Ann Nance of Wichita, Kansas.

Tributes

Harry Gibson

December 17, 1919 - June 26, 2005