M. Lynn ”Chief” Gibson left on his final flight Sunday morning, November 15, 2020, at the age of 89. Lynn was born August, 1931, on the outskirts of Aubrey, Arkansas. He graduated Aubrey High School in 1950, then joined the Air Force and was stationed at March Air Base in Riverside, California. After an honorable discharge, Lynn attended Spartan College of Aeronautics in Oklahoma. Upon graduation, he flew with Pan-American Airlines until 1960, then moved back to Lee County and created Gibson Flying Service where he was a crop duster until 1989 and flew everything from Steerman to a turbine Air Tractor.
Lynn was renowned as an avid storyteller and enjoyed golf and playing poker. Chief’s love of flying and friendships led him to Spruce Creek Fly-in Community in Florida where he also discovered the love of captaining his own boat, ”The Dreamcatcher”.
Chief spent the last years of his life at his beloved Bear Creek Lake, sharing many wonderful times with family and friends. Lynn leaves behind his beloved wife, Joyce Thomas Gibson, along with their children: Doug Gibson (Amy), Lisa Loewer (David), all of Marianna, Arkansas, Tamara Coyle (Paddy) of Stanardsville, Virginia, Britt Zeiger of Portland, Oregon, and Kaye Cantwell (Peter) of Golden, Colorado, 14 grandchildren, and 4 great-grandchildren.
There will be a private celebration of his life at a later date.
Memorials can be sent to St. Andrews Episcopal Church, 49 S. Carolina St. Marianna, AR 72360, Patient’s Choice Hospice, 4200 N. Washington St., #2, Forrest City, AR 72335, or the charity of your choice.
