Doug attended the University of Wyoming, where he met his wife, Margaret Gorst. Doug and Margaret were married June 9, 1963 in Worland. During his final two years of college, he also worked at the Laramie Daily Boomerang as a reporter, sports editor, and desk editor. He graduated with a degree in journalism in 1965. In the fall of 1965 Doug and Margaret moved to San Luis Obispo, CA where Doug accepted a public relations position at Cal Poly.
April 1, 1966, he entered the Army. After basic and advanced training at Fort Knox, he spent six months in the Quartermaster Officer Candidate School, graduating March 3, 1967 with a commission as a second lieutenant. Gibson was assigned to a support unit in Vietnam, arriving April 3, 1967. He was an information officer and assistant adjutant. He was awarded an Army Commendation Medal for his service. While Doug was in OCS and Vietnam, Margaret returned to Worland. After returning in 1968, Doug was stationed at Fort Carson, CO. He first commanded a petroleum company and later spent the remainder of his tenure on the personal staff of the Fifth Infantry Division and Post’s Commanding General as the Public Information Officer, a first lieutenant serving in a LT. Colonel slot.
After separation from the Army in March 1969, Doug and Margaret returned to San Luis Obispo and his public relations post. He resigned that post on December 31st returning to Wyoming in 1970, which would start a career with Farm Bureau that spanned nearly 40 years. His primary responsibilities were in public information and public policy, serving as a lobbyist at the Wyoming Legislature.
In March 1981 Doug became the Chief Administrator/Secretary Treasurer for the Nebraska Farm Bureau Federation and Affiliated Companies. He held that post until April 30, 2009, when he retired. Nebraska Farm Bureau experienced a doubling of membership and elevated level of public advocacy for its farmers and ranchers under Gibson’s leadership. During his Farm Bureau career Doug received many honors and awards. The most memorable ones included being an honoree of the Nebraska Hall of Agriculture Achievement in 2016, receiving the 2016 Silver Eagle Award from the Nebraska Farm Bureau Federation, its highest award and in 1981 receiving the Wyoming Farm Bureau Federation’s Distinguished Service Award.
During his 28-year career at NFBF, he belonged to many organizations as well as serving on numerous boards. Volunteering was also important to Doug, giving back to his industry, the
state and community. A few of his longest service included nearly 11 years on the NEBRASKAland Foundation, 10 years on the Nebraska Vocational Agriculture Foundation; nine years on the Nebraska Jazz Orchestra Board of Directors and eight years as Secretary of the Agriculture Builders of Nebraska. He continued volunteering after retirement as a customer care escort at Bryan Health East Campus, serving on Bryan’s Volunteer and Customer Care Council and on the Eagle Ridge Association (a homeowners’ association) Board.
Before and after retirement, Gibson and his wife enjoyed traveling throughout the United States and around the world, visiting more than 50 countries. Their favorite trip was a photography safari to Kenya. They also especially enjoyed their annual trip to a family cabin in Wyoming’s Big Horn Mountains.
Doug is survived by his wife, Margaret; three sons Joel (special friend Jill) of Omaha; Colin (Kelli) of Denver; and Ian (Erica) of Lincoln; and five grandchildren, Taylor, Isaac, Sylvie, Estelle, and Lennon.
A memorial service will be held at 2:00 pm. Saturday, June 28, 2025, Roper and Sons South Lincoln Chapel, 3950 Hohensee Drive.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be given to the Nebraska Farm Bureau Foundation, People’s City Mission, or the Nebraska Jazz Orchestra.