Wilbur Dale Gibson passed away on Saturday, December 17, 2022, at the Indiana Masonic Home/Compass Park in Franklin, Indiana. He was born in Lawrenceville, Illinois, the son of Troyed and Clella (Struble) Gibson.
After graduating in 1949 from Lawrenceville Township High School, Dale obtained a position at Sears Roebuck and Company in Indianapolis, Indiana. His illustrious career included managing stores in Indiana, where he retired as Manager of the Sears store in Lafayette, Indiana. He was proud of his accomplishments and always worked diligently to make a difference in everything he did.
Dale married Carol Sue Young in 1955, and she was his avid supporter during his career and life. Dale and Carol Sue will be remembered as welcoming many friends and family into their home for many gatherings. Dale was a big fan of the Indy 500 Race, where he held a block of seats for over 50 years, and he is known for chartering a bus many years to take his friends to the race in May.
Dale served his country in the United States Naval Reserve for 12 years. He was a member of the 32nd Degree Masons, Shriners Club, Scottish Rite, Historic Prophetstown, and the John Purdue Club.
One of the legacies of Dale and Carol Sue is the GIBSON HOUSE, which they built in Prophetstown, Indiana to remind people of the houses sold through the Sears Catalog from 1908 through 1940. Students from many cities and neighboring towns (including the Chicago area) tour the GIBSON HOUSE in Prophetstown State Park each year to learn how a working farm existed during that era.
Dale was a Purdue Sports fan and loved going to their games. He was an avid fisherman and loved spending time at his home in the Florida Keys. He also loved partying with his nephews.
Preceding him in death were his parents, Troyed and Clella Gibson; wife, Carol Sue; one sister, Kathryn Thompson; and two brothers-in-law, John Thompson and Reverend Kenneth Hardway.
Survivors include two sisters, Alice Hardway of Springfield, Illinois and Karen (David) Cunningham of Lake St. Louis, Missouri and Nephews.
A celebration of life will be conducted on Tuesday, January 03, 2023 from 12:00 PM until 3:00 PM EST at the Indiana Masonic Home Community Center, located at 690 South State in Franklin, Indiana 47904.
Graveside services will be conducted on Wednesday, January 04, 2023 at 11:00 AM CST at the Lawrenceville City Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Lafayette Transitional Center, 1210 Brown Street, Lafayette, Indiana 47904.
Emmons-Macey & Steffey Funeral Home in Lawrenceville, Illinois is in charge of the arrangements.
Please visit www.emmonsmaceysteffey.com to view the tribute and to send condolences