Donald E. Gibbs, 80, of Rushville, formerly of Springfield, died at 3:37 a.m. March 11, 2013, at McDonough District Hospital in Macomb.Donald E. Gibbs, 80, of Rushville, formerly of Springfield, died at 3:37 a.m. March 11, 2013, at McDonough District Hospital in Macomb.
He was born Feb. 16, 1933, in Springfield, a son of Delbert and Dorothy Widner Gibbs. He first married Patricia McGinnis in Springfield in 1954. She preceded him in death on May 26, 1984. He later married Nancy Stiltz on Feb. 21, 1992, in Springfield. She survives.
Also surviving are two daughters, Mary (and Mark) Smith of Pekin and Leanne (and Tom) Clark of Springfield; one sister, Mary Jo Small of Glendale, Ariz.; and four grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by one son, Donald E. Gibbs II; one brother, Dale Gibbs; and one sister, Rosalie Cottingham.
He worked for Central Management Service for State of Illinois, as a stationary engineer, for 25 years, retiring in 1991. He served on Sangamon County Board, serving one term as chairman.
He was a member of First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Rushville and Sangamon County Democratic Committee.
He began a chess club later known as Sangamon County Chess Club.
In 1999, he and his wife moved to their farm north of Rushville.
A Celebration of Don's Life will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday at Wood Funeral Home in Rushville with Rev. John Sowers officiating. Visitation will be from 1 p.m. until service time at the funeral home in Rushville. Cremation will be accorded following the services.
Memorials may be made to First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Rushville or Schuyler County Humane Society.
Condolences may be sent to www.woodfh.net.
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