GIBSON, Arlen Eugene

The Wickenburg Sun, Wickenburg, Arizona Wednesday, March 25, 2015 Arlen Eugene Gibson passed away Feb. 4, 2015, in a Phoenix hospital. Arlen was born Aug. 4, 1934 to Francis B. and M. Eliza Tucker Gibson in Louisiana, Mo., and spent his youth in the region. In 1954, he joined the Air Force and served as a radar technician stationed on Santa Rosa Island, Calif. Arlen was honorably discharged from active duty in 1957, and served in the Air Force reserves until he was honorably discharged in 1962. During that time, he married his first wife Nancy and they had three children. Following their divorce, he returned to Missouri. From 1966-76, he was a photo technician with the US National Personnel Records Center. While still living in Missouri, he became a locksmith and had a photography business. Arlen married Gladys “Jan” Paton, a widow, on June 20, 1981. Following her retirement three years later, they became full time RVers and traveled throughout 49 states for eight years, visiting family and friends for extended periods. After staying at nearby Escapees RV Park, they decided Wickenburg would be their home when they left the road. Arlen and Jan were residents of Wickenburg for more than 21 years, living in Westpark Mobile Home Park. They operated A&J Locksmith together on Wickenburg Way from 1994-2012. They also sold metal detectors and gold prospecting and mining equipment. They retired from the business due to health concerns and aging. Church was always a major part of their lives. They were active members at Redeemer Lutheran Church for 16 years, with Arlen serving as an elder. Since 2009, they have been a part of the loving family at Mount Hope Assembly of God. Since Jan died suddenly on Oct. 5, 2013, Pastor Duane Middleton and church members, especially Susan Paris, provided the active support that made it possible for Arlen to continue to live in his own home while already showing evident signs of the brain tumor that took his life. Arlen was preceded in death by his father and mother; his older sister Wanda Gibson Edwards; daughter Julie E. Gibson; and wives F. Grace Salvato Gibson and Gladys “Jan” Paton Gibson He is survived by his oldest sister Sue (Herbert) Griffith; daughter Laurie (Tony) Christian; sons Lawrence (Julie) Vangarde and Clifford (Genny) Gibson; stepdaughters Virginia “Ginny” (Robert) Bergen and Patricia “Patti” (Steve) Paton; stepsons Paul (Christy) Wilske and Richard “Rich” (Barbara) Paton; numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. A celebration of life memorial service will be held at 1:30 p.m. Saturday, March 28 at Mount Hope Assembly of God. In accordance with their previously stated wishes, Arlen’s and Jan’s ashes will be joined and returned to the Arizona desert they loved. In Arlen Gibson’s memory, donations can be made to Mount Hope Assembly of God Church for the tremendous caring and support they have shown to him and his family.
Posted by Sharla on March 25, 2015

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