Billy Don Gibbens' Obituary
Billy Don Gibbens, age 84, passed away at his home in Okmulgee, Oklahoma, on July 28, 2026, surrounded by the family he dearly loved.
Bill was born on September 12, 1941, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, to Russell Harry Gibbens and Hazel Viola (Cline) Gibbens. He was the youngest of ten children and grew up with a strong sense of family that remained with him throughout his life. After graduating from Edison High School in Tulsa, he married the love of his life, Linda May (Dempsey) Gibbens, on June 8, 1963, in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Together they built a loving home and shared more than 63 years of marriage.
Before beginning his lifelong career, Bill worked a variety of jobs until answering the call to serve his community. He joined the Tulsa Fire Department in 1967; over the next 27 years, Bill faithfully served the citizens of Tulsa, working at several stations, including Stations 18, 28, and 32, where he retired in 1994.
He also enjoyed rodeoing, especially calf roping, along with farming and raising cattle.
Bill was a selfless man with a true servant's heart. His dedication to helping others extended far beyond his career and became a lasting legacy within his family, helping establish a proud third-generation firefighting family. His quiet strength, unwavering faith, and commitment to serving others left an enduring impact on everyone who knew him.
Following retirement, Bill devoted more time to the hobbies he loved. He was an accomplished golfer and cherished the friendships he made through the Men's Christian Golf Association. Bill was a member of Firefighters Local Union 176, served faithfully as a deacon at First Assembly of God Church in Beggs, Oklahoma, was an active member of the Okmulgee County Cattleman's Association, and remained deeply involved in the Morris farming community.
Throughout life's many challenges and milestones, Bill remained steadfast in his faith, always trusting God and leading by example. His kindness, humility, generosity, and unwavering devotion to his family will be remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him.
Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Russell Harry Gibbens and Hazel Viola (Cline) Gibbens; his brothers, Russell Gibbens, John Gibbens, Tom Gibbens, Bob Gibbens, and Jim Gibbens; and his sisters, Ida Mae Dooley, Louise Owens and Lorene Tribbey.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Linda May (Dempsey) Gibbens; his sons Kenneth Gibbens and wife Jami, Jerald Gibbens and wife Kimberly; his sister, Delores (Gibbens) Webster; his grandchildren, Faith Gibbens, Caylinn Young, Dakota Young and wife Chauntel, Cheyanne Markes and husband Dalton, Billy Gibbens and wife Faith, and Autumn Gibbens; his great-grandchildren, Savanna Velez and husband Nacho, Aiden Bales, Shaylinn Young, Arabella Young, Jack Gibbens, Magnolia Gibbens, Henry Gibbens, Daycen Markes, and Deuce Markes; along with many extended family members and dear friends who will forever cherish his memory.
Bill's life was defined by faith, family, and service. Whether protecting his community as a firefighter, serving his church, working the land, or spending time with those he loved, he lived with integrity, compassion, and purpose. His legacy of love and service will continue through the generations that follow, and he will be deeply missed until the day they meet again.
Celebration of Life service will be 11:00 AM, Thursday, August 6, 2026, at the First Assembly of God Church in Beggs with Pastor Robert Yandell officiating. Burial will follow later that evening with a 6:00 PM interment on the Gibbens Family Farm.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the McClendon-Winters Funeral Home of Okmulgee, Oklahoma. Memories, condolences, photos and videos may be shared with the family on Bill's Tribute Page of our website. https://www.mcclendon-winters.com
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