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OBITUARY

Jacque E. Gibbons

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Jacque (Jack) E. Gibbons, 76, of St. George, Kansas died of natural causes March 21, 2022 at Ascension Via Christi in Manhattan, Kansas. He was born in Kansas City, Kansas on July 12, 1945 to Marjorie Van Hook Gibbons and John W. Gibbons.

Jacque was a loving, kind and gentle man driven by his principles. He strove to improve the lives of others.

He started college focusing on science and math, then the civil rights movement changed his life forever. He brought his mind, heart, and passion to eliminating injustice and violence and making life better for others.

He received three degrees in social work; a bachelor’s degree from the University of Kansas, a Master’s of Social Work and a PhD in Social Work from George Warren Brown School of Social Work at Washington University in Saint Louis.

He ultimately became a Kansas Licensed Clinical Social Worker and received the honor of “Social Worker of the Year” for the Kansas Chapter of the National Association of Social Workers. His devotion to his profession led to his desire to provide future social workers the best education and training possible to “continue the work.” Dr. Gibbons taught in social work programs at KU and Kansas State University, where he retired after 35 years.

He was honored at his retirement in 2016 with a Tribute from the Kansas Senate acknowledging his contributions to the state since 1969, including his “help to educate and launch several generations of social workers, approximately 1,200 graduates, helping them to develop a passion for and skills in working with communities … and making substantial contributions to communities and the State of Kansas.”

After retiring he continued his commitment to students and his profession by starting a scholarship to support students during their field practicum in their last semester of college.

Dr. Gibbons served the larger university community in many ways: Coordinator of the social work program for many years, a member of faculty senate, a member of the Campaign for Non-Violence, a member of Safe Zone, and the campus representative for Native American Graves and Repatriation Act. He helped start the social work program at Fort Hays University and the Non-Violence Studies Program at K-State.

Jacque served the Red Cross for over 40 years including as a Disaster Mental Health Specialist and provided services to people suffering disasters. He also served on the Riley County Hospice and Homecare Ethics committee, the Manhattan Emergency Shelter Board, the Area Agency on Aging advisory committee. He was an active member and facilitator of the Community Conversation on Race and Reconciliation, and co-founder of the Flint Hills Renewable Energy and Efficiency Cooperative.

Jacque was a man of many talents — a wood worker, an auto mechanic, a gardener, a good joke teller, a great dancer, and a good cook famous for his pulled pork and margaritas. He was a good listener who could give his full attention in a helpful, empathic way. He was a curious, well read, life-long learner who could discuss anything without being “a know it all.” He quietly contributed much and wanted little recognition.

He cherished his family, and helped create memorable family gatherings “at the farm.” He was very proud of his daughter, and loved to tinker in his shop with his grandson, to watch foreign-made murder mysteries with his wife, and to do New York Times crossword puzzles with his brother.

Jacque was known as an intelligent, honest, generous, caring person of integrity by all who knew him. He believed in God and was known for his elegant Thanksgiving prayer. He had a quick smile, hardy laugh and the best Irish accent west of Dublin. He loved to sit around the campfire with his family and friends and appreciated the beauty of nature around him.

Jacque is survived by his wife and best friend, Cheryl (Cherri) Harper of the home; daughter, Danica Loftin, son-in-law, Keith Loftin, grandson Walker R. Loftin of Ozawkie, Kansas and brother, John W. Gibbons, Jr of Westminster, Colorado. Also surviving are nephews Kirk Luchman and wife, Virginia of London, England, John (Jack) P. Gibbons, and wife, Raina and niece, Moira (Molly) Meader and husband Joel of Westminster, Colorado. His survivors also include three great-nieces and one great nephew, and his mother-in-law, Jeanne McLaughlin of Pittsburg, Kansas.

As he requested, he was cremated and his ashes will be spread in some of his favorite places. A celebration of life may be held at a later date. For information about the service, please email family members at jacquegibbonsmemorial@gmail.com.

Please resist sending flowers and instead contribute by donating to the KSU Jacque Gibbons Social Work Field Placement scholarship or to the Southern Poverty Law Center. Contributions may be sent to Yorgensen, Meloan and Londeen Furneral Home, 1616 Poyntz Avenue, Manhattan, KS 66502.