Ronald Dean "Son" Gibbons, Sr.

It’s Round-Up time in Heaven and they needed a cowboy or two, so the Lord looked down and said, “Well, there’s Son Gibbons. He’s a pretty fair hand. Let’s bring him in.” Ronald Dean Gibbons, Sr. answered that call on Friday, October 13, 2017. Though his given name was Ronald, most everyone knew him by his nickname, “Son”. He was born on the 5th of September 1937 to Kenneth and Lona Merrill Gibbons. He was born in the old LeSueur place (now Paisley Corner) on Main Street and Third Avenue and he died in his home a block away. Son spent most of his youth on local ranches working as a cowboy and spent many hours working for Joe Brown and then Eddie Layton. He loved being in the outdoors and spending time in the mountains. In his later years, he would work with a different kind of horsepower, driving trucks and heavy equipment in the logging industry and other businesses. He was one of the founding members of the Apache County Sheriff’s Posse and was a member for most of his life. In 1998 he was the Grand Marshall of the 4th of July parade. On September 27, 1963, he married his sweetheart, Mary Ann Pine. She brought two children into the marriage, Linda Gregory and David (Marsha) Gregory, both of Eagar. To this union were added three more: Ronda (Bud) Isaacs of Taylor, Merri Aden of Pima, and Ronnie (Tara) Gibbons of Eagar. They just celebrated their 54th wedding anniversary. Son’s greatest joy was his family and he would proudly tell you how many grandkids he had (whether you asked him or not.) At the time of his passing, he had 36 grandchildren, 55 great-grandchildren (with one on the way), and 1 great-great grandchild. He was preceded in death by his parents, his siblings: Neita Eagar, Colleen Hamblin, Kenny Gibbons and Lisa Downs and by one great-granddaughter, Colette Clark. Son was a lifelong member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He was a hard-working family man who would give you the shirt off his back if you needed it and he left behind a legacy of love, laughter, faith and service. Funeral Services will be held Saturday, October 21, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Eagar Stake Center, with visitation one hour prior. Interment will follow the funeral services at the Eagar Cemetery. The Lord called this Cowboy home, but He told him with a smile, “Come get your mansion prepared and when you’re ready, you can bring your Sweetheart along.”