Raymond John Gibson

April 16, 1933 - February 28, 2020

Raymond “John” Gibson, 86, of Indianapolis, passed away February 28, 2020. He was born to R. J. “Hoot” Gibson and Vera Jane (Peterson) Gibson on April 16, 1933, in Salem, South Dakota.

He graduated from Custer High School in 1951, South Dakota State University in 1955, and Garrett Evangelical Theological Seminary in 1958. During and following seminary, Reverend Gibson served churches in Oak Park, IL, Brown Deer, WI, Selby/Mobridge, SD, and Rapid City, SD. In 1974, he was appointed to a specialized ministry with the Ecumenical Institute/Institute of Cultural Affairs where he served as Executive Director of field offices in Green Bay, WI; Sungai Lui, Malaysia; Cincinnati, OH, and Indianapolis, IN. In 1999, he was a candidate for Mayor of Indianapolis on an independent ticket.

John co-founded Earth Charter Indiana, served as its Executive Director from 2003 to 2011, and coordinated its decade-long Indiana Bicentennial Initiative Sustainable Indiana 2016, which included co-editing the “Explore Sustainable Indiana: Hoosier Solutions to the Climate Crisis” book. He served on several non-profit Boards including the Martin Luther King, Jr. Multi-Service Center, Mapleton Fall Creek Neighborhood Association, Mid-North Church Council, Training, Inc. and Community, Faith and Labor Coalition. John’s purpose-driven life as a pastor, visionary and social justice advocate inspired many. He was the recipient of NUVO’s 2010 Cultural Vision Lifetime Achievement Award, the Hoosier Environmental Council’s 2012 Lifetime Achievement Award, and recognized as a 2019 Hoosier Resilience Hero by the Indiana University Environmental Resilience Institute.

John, and his wife of 56 years, Anita P. Gibson, are survived by longtime friend, Joyce Flight, with whom John exchanged vows in 2018; sons, Paul (Kathy) Gibson and Steven (Susan) Gibson; daughter, Ruth (David) Clark; grandchildren, Anna and Alex Gibson; John’s sisters, Judy Voss and Jane (Bob) Andrews; brother, Joseph (Hartini) Gibson; sister-in-law, Zilpha Gibson, and many other extended family members, dear friends, and colleagues.

Raymond “John” Gibson, 86, of Indianapolis, passed away February 28, 2020. He was born to R. J. “Hoot” Gibson and Vera Jane (Peterson) Gibson on April 16, 1933, in Salem, South Dakota. He graduated from Custer High School in 1951, South Dakota State University in 1955, and Garrett Evangelical Theological Seminary in 1958. During andContinue Reading

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Dear Paul, Steve, and Ruth, I was just looking up your dad (thank heavens for the Internet), and found his obituary from a year ago. I am so sorry for your loss. My former husband Mike and I , and our baby son Albert lived with you in Green Bay for a year, and you were such an important part of our lives. I loved your mom and dad so much, and you three were such wonderfully kind teenagers, playing with Baby Al! (He is now a Major in the US Marine Corps, by the way.) I remember your dad for his strength, his smile, and his sly sense of humor, as well as his deep faith. God rest his soul! Love to all of you!

Our sympathy to you Paul, Steven and Ruth. I was a high school student in Selby when your parents served the Selby church. Your dad confirmed me. I never forgot your mom and dad and and how much I respected them both. I also babysat for you boys a few times. My maiden name was Mickelson. My mom and dad were Ole and Leora.

Dear Gibson kids, so sorry to learn of your Dads death. He was one of our best friends. Always had time for lunch when he came to Rapid City to visit. He was indeed a special person. Love to you all Sharon & Norm Wilson

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.