Southest Rangers escorted the funeral of Col. (Ret.) Ralph D. "Hoot" Gibson 01-09-2009

Southwest Rangers escorted the funeral of Col.(Ret.) Ralph D. "Hoot" Gibson
Col. (Ret.) Ralph D. "Hoot" Gibson Ralph D. "Hoot" Gibson was born in Keensburg, Illinois and raised in nearby Mt. Carmel. His military career began in 1943 when he joined the U.S. Air Corps. During his 31 years as a fighter pilot, he served in the occupation of Japan after WWII; in the Korean War, where he became the world's third jet ace; and in Vietnam. Other assignments included two tours in Germany and a tour as Leader of the USAF Thunderbird Air Demonstration Team. Hoot retired from the Air Force in 1974 and came to Tucson to begin a second career in real estate. As broker of Hoot Gibson Realty and his own best sales agent, he sold hundreds of properties and touched thousands of lives in Tucson and southern Arizona. Hoot was an energetic member of the Tucson community. In addition to realty-related organizations, he was active in Kiwanis, the Business Association of Tucson, Caballeros del Sol, Executives International, and SAHBA as well as several military-related organizations: the Air Force Assoc., Daedalians, Fighter Aces Assoc., Thunderbird Alumni Assoc., River Rats, Sabre Pilots, Super Sabre Society, QB's, and the Pima Air Museum. In recent years he was inducted into the Illinois Military Aviation Hall of Fame and the Arizona Aviation Hall of Fame. Among the decorations Hoot earned in the Air Force were two Silver Stars, two Legions of Merit, four Distinguished Flying Crosses, Bronze Star/V, Meritorious Service Medal, 14 Air Medals, and the Air Force Commendation Medal. Hoot died January 2, 2009, in a fall while doing what he loved to do - showing property to prospective buyers. He is survived by his wife, Donna; three sons, Scott, Duane and Craig; four grandchildren, Alexandra, Layla, Carrie and Michael; a sister, Opal Hamm and brother, Will Gibson. Visitation will be held at BRING'S BROADWAY CHAPEL, 6910 E. Broadway on Thursday, January 8, 2009, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Services will be at Christ Community Church, 7801 E. Kenyon Dr., Friday, January 9, 2009, at 10:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to your favorite charity.

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[ethnicmusiclover]

The video was great. Though it was hard to hear and see it all, I thought it was touching and memorable. I was their but this is a true dedication. The flyby was worth it all.

Ralph Duane Gibson Jr.

[ethnicmusiclover]

It was hard to see detail but it was wonderful nonetheless. The salute and taps were great. The flyby was worth it all. Thanks so very much.

Ralph Duane Gibson Jr