Willard Eugene Gibbons passed away peacefully in Lindon, Utah on November 30, 2023, at the age of 88. He was surrounded by loved ones who rejoiced at his successful completion of a life well lived. Gene was born on August 4, 1935, in Wendell Idaho, the oldest son of Rollo and Madge Gibbons. He was proud of his “Idaho roots” and pioneer heritage and made famous the requirement for his children of a hand over the heart and the singing of the Idaho State song every time his family drove across the state line. The reward for the obedient was a yummy Dunkin Donut.

As a young man, Gene was under the tutelage of his mother, he learned Christian service by taking home-made baked goods to those in need, in their small community of Jerome, Idaho. His father taught him the value of hard work and being responsible. During the course of several summers, he drove a large truck with his father, making produce deliveries across the northwest states. Gene's four siblings looked up to and admired him for his example.

Two days following high school graduation, his beloved mother passed away unexpectedly, leaving five children, the youngest being just one year of age. This loss affected the entire family and shaped his future. It inspired him to a life-time of service. Soon after her loss, Gene entered the U.S. Navy and ultimately sailed on the U.S.S Essex, having been trained as a medical corpsman. Service to his country was first and foremost a desire for Gene to serve his fellow-man and participate in the cause of freedom.

Gene met his sweetheart, Evelyn, at his first class (Theater Arts), at the University of Utah, and the two were sealed in the Salt Lake Temple the following June, 1957. Evelyn and Gene welcomed six children into their home. The Gibbons home was filled with music, love, laughter and joy.

Gene graduated from the University of Utah with a Bachelor of Science in Communication Disorders, a Master of Clinical Social Work and Doctor of Social Work degrees. This opened doors for him to serve peoples and communities who were disadvantaged in one way or another. Gene's social work heart, paired with tireless Christlike service, has been an inspiration to his family, friends, communities, and most importantly, to those who suffer. Gene was a catalyst in the creation of the Graduate School of Social Work at Brigham Young University, established in the early eighties.

Concurrent to his professional duties, Gene served faithfully in whatever church assignments he was given. This incuded service as a Bishop, Stake President, MTC Branch President, Utah Provo Mission Presidency, Mount Timpanogos Temple Presidency, Temple Sealer, and most important to him, time spent as a faithful and loving Home Teacher and Ministering Brother. Gene spent a full semester in Jerusalem, Israel in an effort to help find solutions for the underprivileged in a war-torn country. As a couple, they served a Senior Mission to the Frankfurt Germany Temple. Honoring his Temple Covenants and Priesthood duties aligned Gene with Jesus Christ and His teachings about serving others. He died in full faith, with a sure knowledge that Families are Forever.

Gene's love of BYU Sports was legendary and was passed on to his family. Some of his favorite memories include attendance at BYU football and basketball games with family members; he was a Legacy donor for Cougar Stadium. Having been a season ticket holder for 58 years, he and Evelyn were honored by lighting the Y prior to the BYU vs Utah Football game in 2019. We're confident he continues to cheer on his beloved Cougars. GO COUGS!

Eugene is survived by his beloved spouse: Evelyn Rose Gibbons; 6 children: Melody (Brian) Wright, Kurt (Lynda) Gibbons, Denise (Jim) Stanton, Stephanie (John) Haderlie, Nathan (Deb) Gibbons, and Eric (Nikki) Gibbons; 24 grand-children; 43 great-grandchildren and 3 siblings: Richard (Sherry) Gibbons, Rhonda (Bryce) Goddard, and Ray (Janet) Gibbons.

Eugene was preceded in death by his parents: Rollo and Madge Gibbons; sister: Joanne Knoll; and great-grandson: Brian Lee Miller.

Funeral services will held Tuesday December 5, at 11:00 a.m. at the Pleasant Grove Manila Stake Center north parking lot of the Mount Timpanogos Temple. Address is 850 North 900 East, American Fork, UT. 84003. A webcast of services will begin at 11am and can be found at www.walkersanderson.com on his obituary.

A public viewing will be held Monday evening from 6-8 p.m. at the Walker Sanderson Funeral Home. Address is 646 East 800 North, Orem Ut. 84097