Harold H. Gibbon

October 3, 1954 – January 26, 2026

Harold H. Gibbon, 71, of Derby, Kansas, passed away on January 26, 2026, at St. Francis Hospital. He was a loving husband, father, and grandfather whose quiet reliability, curiosity, and quirky humor left a lasting mark on everyone who knew him.

An ornery morning person, Harold loved visiting the zoo at 9AM, watching movies, and maintaining his “anti-social” social life. His days often included a visit to the Derby Public Library, grocery shopping, thrift-store treasure hunting for the best deals, and striking up conversations with every stranger he met—despite insisting he wasn’t sociable.

Harold was born on October 3, 1954, in Topeka, Kansas, at Stormont Vail Hospital, to Harold French Gibbon and Elizabeth Jane Gibbon (Harris). Raised on a farm, he learned the value of hard work early and amassed a lifelong collection of facts and observations he loved to share—such as his favorite reminder that “pigs are cleaner than chickens.” A talented athlete, Harold wrestled and ran cross-country and track, earning a reputation for “superhuman strength” and becoming an exceptional hay hauler while working summers at Smith Dairy Farm.

Despite dyslexia and early educational challenges, Harold graduated from Seaman High School in 1973. While there, he was active in FFA (Future Farmers of America), serving as Treasurer and Sentinel, and participated in the first National Prayer Breakfast in Washington, D.C., attending with the first high school group invited from Kansas.

In 1975, Harold graduated from Highland Junior College with an Associate in Science in Business. He went on to earn a Bachelor of Science in Business in 1977, majoring in Data Processing with a minor in Business Mathematics. That year marked the transition of Emporia State Teachers College to Emporia State University, making Harold part of the first graduating class under the university name. His love of learning never stopped; he continued to educate himself through video courses and conversations with everyone he met.

Harold began his career as a Computer Programmer Analyst Leader at the Kansas Employee Security System Institution. In 1983, he joined Boeing Computer Services at The Boeing Company. When Boeing was purchased by Spirit in June 2005, Harold helped with the transition and later worked in the Spirit shops, retiring in February 2012.

On August 21, 1982, Harold married the love of his life, Janelle K. Gibbon (Child). He liked to joke that he had “married a ‘Child,’” to the horror of listeners—before clarifying the joke. In truth, he treasured Janelle, bringing her breakfast in bed and scraping her car windows every winter.

Always active, Harold kept busy mowing his yard, meeting his kids, and visiting the Sedgwick County Zoo, Botanica, and Tanganyika Wildlife Park. He watched every genre of movie imaginable, but especially enjoyed watching educational programs—often on travel and history—and visiting Cowtown. On every zoo visit, he eagerly conversed with experts, then returned home to share newly learned facts and stories with his children.

Harold was a dependable father who always showed up when his family needed him—whether rescuing Crystal from car trouble, stepping in as Santa for a desperate Carol, or watching his grandchildren when “no one” else was available. He was affectionately known as the “Dadar” for his regular weather updates and insistence that everyone know the day’s high and low temperatures. He was also the family snack man, reliably stocked with chips, candy, nuts, and cookies.

Activities, Organizations, and Accomplishments

Harold earned two letters in cross-country, two in track, and one in wrestling, placing fourth in the State 4th Class Tournament. He was a member of Phi Beta Lambda, served on the Student Senate (1973–1974), and was active in Kiwanis, including serving as Lieutenant Governor of Circle K of Kansas from 1973–1975. While in high school, he was also a page for the Kansas House of Representatives and Senate.

Harold proudly donated more than 100 units of blood before becoming diabetic and loved to brag about this achievement. He and Janelle were honored with a Parent of the Year Award.

Harold is survived by his wife of 43 years, Janelle; his children: son Harold R., son Joseph (Crystal Dawn), daughter Crystal Evonne, son Scott, son John, daughter Kelly, and daughter Carol (Tyler); and his grandchildren: Tommy and Cora (Carol and Tyler), Lily and Rose (Joseph and Crystal Dawn), and Daxton (Scott). He is also survived by his siblings Kathryn, Jane, Kenneth (Lucia), and Dave. He was preceded in death by his parents, Harold F. and Elizabeth, and his sister-in-law, Bonita.

Viewing & Service Information

Monday, February 2, 2026 | 1:00 PM
47th Street Church of Christ
601 W. 47th St. S
Wichita, KS 67217

Graveside Service

Immediately following the viewing (no official procession)
Mulvane Cemetery
1601 E. 119th St. S
Mulvane, KS 67110

Reception

3:00–5:00 PM
47th Street Church of Christ
601 W. 47th St. S
Wichita, KS 67217

Flowers

47th Street Church of Christ
601 W. 47th St. S
Wichita, KS 67217

Flowers can be delivered as early as 9AM on Monday

Memorial Donations

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Harold’s memory to support his favorite animal—the elephant, which he often mimicked while sharing his extensive collection of facts and stories.

Sedgwick County Zoo
“Our Growing Campaign”
5555 Zoo Blvd.
Wichita, KS 67212

LIVE VIEWING

Find Carol Annette Gibbon on Facebook

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Her profile will have (Carol Barrientez)

Friend her, and you can join the live feed.

If you have not friended Carol, the Service will be recorded for those who’d like to watch later. For this request reach out to Crystalegibbon@gmail.com

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Harold H. Gibbon, please visit our floral store.