Obituary of Thomas Allan Gibson

Thomas Allan Gibson of Clarinda, Iowa, passed away January 27, 2023, at the Clarinda Regional Hospital.

Tom was born March 17, 1947, to Donald and Therma (Ackland) Gibson in Havelock, Iowa. He received his early years of education in Nashville, Knoxville, Memphis and Gallatin, Tennessee. In 1961, a business opportunity moved his family to Clarinda, Iowa, where they purchased the Northside Recreation. He graduated from Clarinda High School in 1965. He attended college in Kansas City, Missouri.

On September 7, 1965, Tom married the love of his life, Waneta Coston. He knew that she was his best friend. They had one daughter, Marie Elaine.

Tom’s first job was at Central Survey in Shenandoah, Iowa as a program analyst. He then worked for Tarkio College in Missouri, NFO in Corning, Iowa, and Becton Dickenson in Broken Bow, Nebraska.

Tom was a Master Pool Player, and it was his true passion. In 1992, Tom and Waneta moved to Grand Island, Nebraska. Together, they opened Gibby’s Sports Bar. After retirement, they returned to Clarinda. He enjoyed music and watching politics, and encouraged all to be educated voters. He had a great sense of humor.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Donald and Therma, brother Howard Gibson, brothers-in-law Gary Coston and Harold Coston, sister-in-law Nancy Wayman and brother-in-law, Richard Wayman.

Tom is survived by his wife, Waneta, of 57 years, daughter, Marie (Michael) Shada of Broken Bow, Nebraska, grandchildren, Michaela (Zach) Bristol, Elizabeth (Tyler) Bradley, Nicholas Shada of Broken Bow, Nebraska, great-grandchildren Charlee Rose, Della Ann, Wyatt James and Waylon James, and sisters-in-law Pauline Coston and Fran Coston along with many nieces and nephews.