Vern C Gibson Jr., a caring husband, father and proud veteran and community activist, passed away on August 8, 2024, at 82. His heroic battle with cancer and medical issues in recent years showed his courage in facing life challenges with a smile and a story.
Vern was born in Hopkinsville, Kentucky, in 1942, and grew up and graduated in Santa Ana, California. He was lucky to have multiple different ‘careers’ in his life. He was a sergeant in the 6th infantry division of the US Army, serving tours in Berlin during the Cold War. Once honorably discharged, Vern went on to have a distinguished airline career for 31 years for National, Pam Am, Western, and Delta airlines in both Los Angeles and Omaha. After retiring, Vern decided to start over and got a degree in Mortuary Science to become a Funeral Director. He has faithfully served the Fremont community with Dugan Funeral Chapel.
Vern absolutely loved serving his community and veterans. Vern has been the President of the Education Service Unit for Northeast Nebraska for nearly 30 years. He was Past President of the Fremont and International Cosmopolitan Club organizations. Vern served multiple terms as President of the Berlin U.S. Military Veterans association and commander of the Fremont American Legion Post #20. He’s been a Shriner since 1983. Serving as President. He is a 32nd degree Scottish Rite Mason and was Lodge Master in 1989. Vern is a 30-year member of Kiwanis, serving as local President and board member. He was also two-time lieutenant governor of the Iowa/Nebraska Kiwanis district. He also served on the board of Directors of the Fremont Chamber of Commerce. He was an early board member of JC Fremont Days. He was the chairman of Dodge Country Red Cross for 20 years. He was the founder and co-chairman of Fremont’s Avenue of Flags and Veterans Park. Vern served in multiple city committee’s and was elected to the Fremont City Council in 2020. He helped organize and was the first chairman of Leadership Fremont. The list goes on and on and he still found time to guest teach at Fremont High School.
Vern was an avid traveler and ensured his children were able to experience different regions and cultures during their childhood. As a father, his children would tell you that, despite his long work hours, he always was there for them and supported every sport and activity and occasionally to fill a tire or bring them gas. Vern never knew a stranger, sparking conversations with any random person whether they wanted to or not. He made everyone feel like they were his best friend.
Vern is survived by his wife Jane, his son John and Kristin (Mack) Gibson and daughter, Sarah Gibson Meyer and her husband, James and four grandchildren, Grant, Annabelle, Zach and Maddie.
He was preceded in death by his parents and sister.
Funeral service is scheduled for 11 a.m. Friday, August 16, 2024, at Saint James Episcopal church in Fremont. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday at Moser Memorial Chapel in Fremont. Burial with military honors will be at Memorial Cemetery in Fremont.
In lieu of flowers, Vern would love if you would donate to the Fremont Avenue of Flags/Veterans Park to continue the tradition of service to veterans. Another designation of memorials can be made to St. James Episcopal Church in Fremont. Online condolences may be left at www.mosermemorialchapels.com
