It is with sorrow and gratitude that we mark the passing of George Gibbons of Luna, NM — sorrow at the loss, gratitude for the life.
What we offer here is gratitude wrapped in remembrance.
George spent his working life as ['the Forest Service and started selling books in the National Parks'] and held deeply to the Latter-day Saints faith — and was, by all accounts, loved by those who knew him best.
The traditions George loved will continue to hold those he loved.
George Edward Gibbons, 85, passed away on May 2, 2026 at his home in Thatcher, Arizona.
George was born August 16, 1940 to Ellen Richardson, of Phoenix. After several months in a children's home, he was adopted by, and later sealed to, his parents Charles Augustus (Gus) Gibbons and Velda Olea Wiltbank of Eagar. George grew up in Eagar until his family moved to Morenci, where he graduated from Morenci High School.
George earned his associate's degree from Eastern Arizona College, served a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Central States Mission, and earned his bachelor's degree from Brigham Young University.
On September 2, 1965, George married Linda Carter, of Safford, and then Clifton, in the Mesa Arizona Temple. Together they raised twelve children. They lived in New Mexico for many years, particularly in Luna, New Mexico, where George served as Bishop for over ten years. Later they lived at the South Rim of the Grand Canyon for several years before moving to Thatcher in 2000. Before their move to Thatcher, George retired from the Forest Service and started selling books in the National Parks, primarily at the Grand Canyon and in Southern Utah. In 2013, he became a substitute teacher at Safford Schools. He retired from selling books and substitute teaching in February 2026.
George is preceded in death by: his parents; and three siblings; and two of his sons, Heath and Brock. George is survived by: his wife, Linda; and their children, Karyn Sypher (Chuck), Maverick Gibbons (Crissy), Jonna Gibbons, Sherra Carter (Jeff Hunt), Carter Gibbons (Michelle), Casey Best (Jeff), Trym Gibbons (Emily), Vince Gibbons (Andrea Chavez), Teonna Hoopes (Luke) and Rocki Nelson (Brett). George and Linda have twelve children, thirty-eight grandchildren, and twenty-four great-grandchildren.
Funeral services for George will be conducted Friday afternoon, May 8, 2026, at 3:00 p.m., at the Thatcher Stake Center of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints by Brother Steve Orme.
George will be laid to rest Saturday, May 9, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. (MST), at the Luna Cemetery in Luna, New Mexico.
