Paul J. Gibbons

Paul J. Gibbons

March 9, 1941- December 6, 2018

Paul Joseph Gibbons was born on March 9, 1941, to Ann and George, a City of Omaha employee. The oldest of four boys, Paul and his brothers Mike, George and Dennis enjoyed a humble but fulfilled childhood in their South Omaha home.

Paul met the love of his life, Maridee Reafleng, shortly after he graduated from South High School at a downtown diner where they both worked. In 1963, he married his beloved Maridee and they enjoyed a 52-year marriage until her passing in 2015.

Together Paul and Maridee raised five children, Pat, Tracy, Juli, Steve and Greg. Paul’s children fondly remember a childhood filled with camping, hunting and fishing, some of Paul’s favorite activities. Paul was the family baseball coach, fishing instructor, gardener, and chef, as he loved cooking big meals for the family.

As the years passed, Paul and Maridee welcomed daughters-in-law and sons-in-law into the family, and eventually grandchildren and great-grandchildren too.

Paul was a fiercely loyal employee, family man and friend. He retired from Consolidated Electrical Distributors after a 40+ year career in electrical sales. He enjoyed bowling, golfing, and playing cards weekly with his best friends and neighbors of nearly 50 years.

But nothing was stronger than his loyalty, love and commitment to Maridee. When Maridee tragically fell ill with Alzheimer’s, Paul’s devotion to the love of his life never wavered. He spent many years caring for her, first at their home, then later at Papillion Manor where she received ongoing care. For over 10 years, Paul visited Maridee every day and had breakfast, lunch and dinner with her. The only time he missed a visit with Maridee was during his annual Canada fishing trip with his sons and oldest grandson.

Paul loved spending time with his children and grandchildren and often served as the resident drop-in daycare for his grand kids.

With his quiet, kind demeanor, Paul was a friend to everyone he met.

For the past two and a half years, Paul has been bravely battling MDS and leukemia. Complications from the disease led to a stroke, which ended his life on December 6, 2018.  Just like Paul, his death was calm and peaceful.

Paul will always be remembered as a devoted husband, a true family man, an avid outdoorsman, a model of integrity, and a friend to all.

Paul’s legacy lives on through his children: Pat Gibbons (Laura), Tracy Limley (fiancé, Kenny), Juli Templien (Kent), Steve Gibbons (Sarah) and Greg Gibbons (Jessie); 11 grandchildren: Jacob, Kassie, Reanna (Andrew), Rachelle (Andrue), Timmy, Brian, Mia, Brooklyn, Jonah, Alex, and Sophia; great-grandchild, Tristan; and brother, George (Aggie).

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The family will receive friends on Sunday, Dec. 9^th from 5pm to 7pm at the West Center Chapel, followed by VIGIL SERVICE at 7pm.  SERVICES: Monday, Dec. 10^th at 11am, West Center Chapel.  Interment, Calvary Cemetery.  Memorials will be directed by the family.