of Springfield, MO

November 30, 2014

Merna Wayne Gibson, 88 of Springfield, Mo. died Sunday, November 30th at Mercy Hospital, surrounded by his family. Wayne was born in Cash, Arkansas to Dora (Lee) and Herman Gibson. Wayne's early years were spent on the family farm, and he graduated from Cash High School in 1944. He went on to pursue his undergraduate degree from Arkansas State College in Jonesboro Arkansas and also playing for the school's basketball team.
Following graduation, Wayne began a teaching career in secondary education which spanned 32 years. His first position was at Evening Shade, AR and while there he met Winell Marlin of Batesville, AR. They were married and began a marriage that would last for 64 years. They were blessed with two sons, Randy and Brent. Wayne's teaching career included positions in Arkansas at Evening Shade, Beedeville, and Southside at Batesville before moving to Missouri where he taught at Advance, Missouri and finally Parkview, in Springfield. Wayne also held several coaching and administrative positions during his teaching career. While employed with teaching, Wayne continued his educational development, obtaining a Master's degree from the University of Arkansas in 1964. During this time he received National Science Foundation Fellowships to attend Stephen F. Austin, University of Oklahoma, and Texas Christian University. Wayne was elected president of the Southwest Missouri District Science Teachers Association.
Upon retirement from teaching Wayne pursued working in Financial Services, becoming a Regional Vice President of the company. Wayne was a past member of the Optimist Club in Springfield.
Wayne was preceded in death by his parents, Dora (Lee) and Herman Gibson, and by brother, Cecil Gibson. He is survived by his wife Winell and son Brent of Springfield and son Randy (Linda) of Pensacola, FL, grandsons, Benjamin of Pensacola and Jeffrey and great-grandson Jude of Niceville, Fl.
Visitation will be at 1 pm-2pm Saturday, Dec. 6 at the Roller-Farmers Union Funeral Home, with chapel services beginning at 2 pm. Rev. David Rice will officiate. Burial will follow at Gibson Cemetery.
Pallbearers will include Jeff Gibson, Benjamin Gibson, Larry Weaver, John Weaver, Bryan Weaver and Tim Howard.
Honorary pallbearers include Mike Gibson, Chris Riggs, Michael Riggs and Jerry Riggs.
In lieu of flowers the family request that donations be made to the Gibson Cemetery Association, c/o Secretary I. Moody, 329 County Road 106, Jonesboro, Arkansas 72404 or a charity of their choice.

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