John Robert “Hoot” Gibson died at 10:45 pm on Friday, April 21, 2023 at IU Arnett Hospital in Lafayette. To say his childhood was challenging is being kind. He was born to Dorothy Gobel on May 6, 1934 at his grandparents’ home on Third Street in Lafayette. In 1936 Dorothy married George Gibson who adopted John but later that year died of whooping cough. In 1938 Dorothy married Ivan Farner who was killed in 1944 at the Battle of the Bulge during WWII and buried in the Netherlands.

John attended several schools including Covington, Danville, IL, Frankfort, etc. At Frankfort school, he acquired his nickname because the Country singer Hoot Gibson was popular at that time. Growing up, he worked various jobs including soda jerk at X drug store. He was proud to be a member of the Boy Scouts. He graduated from Jefferson High School in 1952.

After high school, John enlisted in the Naval Air Force with boot camp in San Diego and assignments in Widbey Island, Washington; Japan: Guam and Florida. During one leave he married Janet Sanz but they later divorced. After his enlistment ended, he returned to Lafayette and worked a short time at National Homes, followed by a job at Purdue in the “tin shop,” then the Purdue Police department, rising to the rank of lieutenant. After his official retirement, he took a position in President Stephen Beering’s office as security, driver and aide until 1991and a final retirement after 41 years at Purdue. One highlight was picking up Neil Armstrong at the Purdue airport for a football game and astronaut reception. Another highlight was attending the Rose Bowl to serve as security for Drew Brees.

He was active in his sons’ lives including as scout den leader. He was active in the American Legion, member of the VFW and the Purdue bowling league. He was a 32^nd degree Mason, past master, and member of Murat Shrine and Scottish Rite. He enjoyed playing euchre, poker and cribbage. He very much enjoyed participating in an Honor Flight in 2017.

John was preceded in death by his son Steven Gibson, grandson Michael Gibson and great­ granddaughter Jolene Gibson. He is survived by his wife Sue (Gick) Gibson; son John Gibson (Lisa) of rural Crawfordsville; a close cousin Marty (Doug) Schultz of Montmorenci; grandchildren Amber (Audie) Gibson-Whitaker of Lafayette; Joel (Megan) Gibson of Carmel; Douglas (Ayreka) Gibson of Lebanon; Rob Gibson of Omaha, Nebraska; Sasha Gibson of Lafayette; Alexa Deaton (Gabe) of Brownsburg; Hilary Gibson of Louisville, Kentucky; and Logan Plantenga of Lafayette, as well as 9 great-grandchildren: Kalen, Kai, Tenzin, Jude, Kyle, Brady, Vivienne, Neo and Crew.

Visitation will be from 1:00 pm until 2:00 pm on Friday, April 28, 2023 at Soller-Baker Funeral Home, 400 Twyckenham Blvd. Lafayette, IN 47909 followed by a Masonic Service. Burial will follow at Tippecanoe Memory Gardens in West Lafayette.

Memorial gifts may be given in his name to the Boy Scouts of America.