Merle LeRoy Gibson Jr.

Merle LeRoy “Bud” Gibson, Jr., 79, of Waterloo, died at UnityPoint Health ‑ Allen Hospital, on Wednesday, October 31, 2018.

Merle was born on March 11, 1939 in Albert Lea, MN, the son of Merle and Ilo (Couper) Gibson.

He married Kathryn Ware in 1956; they later divorced. Merle married Judy Evans in 1959.

He worked as a radial drill operator at John Deere & Co. for over 33 years, retiring in 1994. After retirement, he worked for Bill Colwell Ford picking up cars and driving them back to the dealership.

Merle was a member of UAW Local 838. He enjoyed going to the casino, car shows, and square dancing in his younger days. He and Judy spent many winters in Arizona.

Survived by his wife, Judy Gibson of Waterloo; five children, Kathy Lewis and Rick Gibson both of Des Moines, Tammy Gibson and Tim (Laurie) Gibson both of Denver, and Tracy Jamieson of North Liberty; seven grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Roselyn “Kay” Obery; and a brother, Ronald Gibson.