Raymond Joseph Gibson was born on June 19th 1952 to George and Viola (Potthoff) Gibson in Kadoka, SD. He was baptized July 6th 1952 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Norris, SD, the beginning of a long and committed relationship with the Lord through the Catholic Church.
As the youngest of 6 kids he spent his early days learning about pumping gas, helping with janitorial services, and rosary prayers with his mother. Ray attended school in Norris, SD through the 8th grade. He attended high school in Kadoka, SD where he excelled in football. Ray attended Black Hills State University studying history and playing on the football team.
After college Ray returned to Kadoka to start work in construction, get into antics with buddies, and marry the love of his life. Ray and Karen were married on October 28, 1978 at Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church in Kadoka. They welcomed their first daughter Hannah. Family and job opportunity brought them to Rapid City where he worked at Sooper Dooper Grocery alongside many family members, and Ray and Karen welcomed another daughter, RaeAnn.
In Philip, SD, Ray began a career in concrete, and they welcomed their son, Emery. Their family moved into the home that would go on to host holidays and loved ones, be a place their grandchildren would grow in and make memories for years to come. Ray established Gibson Concrete Construction and Bad River Redi-Mix in 1996 starting in his back yard, and grew his business to serve many adjoining communities. He loved getting to work alongside his son and grandchildren. Ray also enjoyed being a member of the Knights of Columbus, performing in several community plays, and remaining very active in the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Philip.
Ray never encountered a person he couldn’t have a conversation with or a topic he couldn’t chat about. He was a principled man, who didn’t compromise on the things that were important to him. Ray loved people and was known for doing all he could to help them out.
Ray is preceded in death by his mother and father, brothers Jerry and George, brother-in-law Ross Michaels, sister-in-law Debbie Neiffer, and nephews Shayne Gibson and Michael (Charles) Michaels.
He is survived by his wife Karen, daughter Hannah (Matt) Griffin, daughter RaeAnn (JR) Snyder, son Emery (Mariah) Gibson, brother Bernard (Carol) Gibson of Box Elder, sister Lillian Michaels of Mount Vernon, Washington, and sister Mary (Gene) Paola of McMinnville, Oregon, Grandchildren Jaisa, Parker, Keelee, Kaia, Rainee, Karsyn, Cannin, Kingsley, and several in-laws, nieces, and nephews.
Visitation will be held 5:30-7:30 p.m. with a Christian Funeral Vigil service at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 12, at Rush Funeral Home in Philip.
A Christian Funeral Mass will be celebrated 11 a.m. Thursday, March 13, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Philip.
A Christian Funeral Committal will be held at 1:45 p.m. Thursday, March 13, at the Kadoka Cemetery.
Cards and memorials may be sent to P.O. Box 732 Philip, SD 57567.
