C. Dale Gibson

On the morning of March 5th, 2022, C. Dale Gibson (Dale) peacefully passed away at St. Vincent Anderson Hospital surrounded by loving family and friends. He was born on March 27, 1952 in Anderson, Indiana, and was 69 years old at the time of his passing.

Dale was a longstanding member of the Wilkinson, Indiana community. He held employment at General Motors, working as a dye and tool setter. He loved his work and the many friendships that he formed during his tenure at GM. After over forty-years with the company, he retired in March of 2016. Following his retirement, Dale found great purpose and enjoyment in passionately tending to his farm and breeding, raising, and selling livestock.

Dale was unique, kind-hearted, generous, and humble. He would gladly give the shirt off of his back to anyone in need that crossed his path, family, friend, or stranger. He had a passion for working with animals of all kinds, especially his beloved pigs. Alongside caring for his animals, Dale enjoyed showing his favorite specimens at county and state fair auctions across the United States, and proudly served as an active 4-H member for over fifty-years.

Above all else, Dale loved his family. He was a true patriarch who devoted much of his time and energy to playing the role of second father-figure to the many children around him–even if they did not share the same last name as Dale or were not related to him by blood. Dale particularly loved sharing his passion for farming, agriculture, and livestock with the younger generations of his family.

When he wasn’t tending to his farm and family, Dale would often spend his free time watching Professional Bull Riding (PBR) in his favorite rocking chair. He was also a self-admitted “shopaholic” who never met a good deal that he didn’t like. Dale would often travel far and wide in search of rare treasures, knick-knacks, antiques, and items needed to complete his many “unorthodox” collections—in case you weren’t aware, Dale amassed the largest tape measure collection in Hancock County.

Those who had the pleasure of meeting Dale would describe him as selfless, genuine, passionate, and a go-getter in all aspects of his life. He truly was the most unique and kind-hearted man, and will be dearly missed by the many people whose lives he touched.

Preceding Dale in death are his parents, Cletis Dale Gibson, Sr., Betty Guenthenspberger, and step-father, Frank Guenthenspberger; daughter, Jody Gibson; brother, Gary Gibson; and grandparents, Morton and Donna Gibson; and Ernest and Ida (Canterbury) Palmer.

Left to treasure Dale’s memory is his loving wife of 36 years, Tina Gibson; children, Trinton and Atlanta Gibson; grandchildren, Dakota (Matt Johns) and Christopher Meredith; great-grandson, Jackson Johns; siblings, Jeannie (Bud) Perry, Darlene Abston, Dennis (Teresa) Gibson, and Diane Gibson; special friends, Belinda (Matt) Peterson, Vicky Rouse, Colton and Corey Stamper, Delana (Rocky) Gardner, several nieces and nephews, and many, many more.

Donations in memory of Dale may be made to the Hancock County 4-H Agricultural Association (http://yourhancockfairgrounds.com/about/donate), a 501(c) charitable organization. A celebration of Dale’s life will be held on Saturday, March 26, 2022 from 6:00-8:00 p.m., at Ovid Community Church, located at 793 600 S. Anderson, IN 46013.