The Gibson Family Story
The Gibson family moved to Valley Junction in the mid-1950s, before the youngest child was born. Junior Gibson had grown up in Lorimor, while his wife, Joan, was from Osceola. They brought with them their three older childnre – Debbie, David (“Buzz”), and Steve – and later welcomed thier youngest, Shellie, on July 22, 1958.
Dedicated Hands and Loving Hearts
The family made thier home at 417 8th Street. Junior had come to West Des Moines seeking greater work opportunities and after trying a few jobs, he opened Gibson Standard Service station at 13th and Grand (now Northern Lights Pizza). Over the years, Junior worked for the Iowa DOT, keeping roads clean and safe, and in retirement drove a school bus for West Des Moines and a delivery van for UnityPoint Hospital. Joan was a homemaker while the children were young, later working at Dahl’s on Prospect, Larsen Cleaners on 5th Street, and at the new West Park Care Center when it opened. She became a beloved coworker there – always ready with a laugh, especially during those early weekend shifts.
Neighborhood Memories and Lifelong Friendships
Growing up in Valley Junction meant being part of a close-knit neighborhood, where doors were left unlocked and conversations happened at the clotheslines or around buring barrels. Kids rode their bikes downtown to Coast-to-Coast, Vandenburg Drug Store, Stilwell Grocery, Ben Franklin, Jacobsons, and Silvers. Like many families with only one car, the Gibsons often rode the city bus into downtown Des Moines to shop. Shellie remembers Phenix Elementary fondly, especially walking home with friends like Billy Rodriguez and Schuyler Herndon, and the excitement of football games at the old stadium, where the whole community would walk together to and from the game.
Shellie’s dog, Lucky, was her constant companion – so much so that neighbors knew to find Lucky if they were looking for her. She formed lifelong friendships, and she and her closest friends still call themselves “The Valley Junction Golden Girls” (Shannon, Carolyn, Marilyn, and Shellie).
The Next Generation of Gibsons
As time flew, the Gibson children grew up, graduate from Valley High School, and started families of their own. Debbie (VHS 1968) married Dean Johnson (VHS 1966) and had 3 children, who gave them 7 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren, with 3 on the way. Debbie retired as a Supervisor at Heartland AEA and lives in Des Moines. She is married to Warren Grubbs, who has one son. He gave them 3 grandchildren, who gave them 3 more great-grandchildren.
Buzz and Steve
Daivd “Buzz” graduated from Valley in 1970, and his wife is Sherry Neufeld, who graduated in 1969. They married on December 14, 1968. They have 3 children, 11 grandchildren, and 7 soon-to-be 8, great-grandchildren. Buzz served in the Army from 1981-2005 and retired as Sergeant First Class. His service caused them to live all over the world, stationed at Ft Sill, Oklahoma; William O. Darby Kaserne in Furth, Germany; and Schofield Barracks on Oahu, Hawaii. They retired to Edmond, Oklahoma, where one of their children and grandchildren live, and stay busy volunteering for their church.
Steve graduated from Valley in 1972 and married Linda Barnett in 1974. They have 2 daughters, 6 grandchildren, and 2 great-grandchildren. Steve lives in Kimberling City, Missouri, and retired after 36 yeras as a union truck driver.
Generations Built at 13th and Locust
In 1981, Shellie met her future husband, Rick Gamble, who was from “the Des Moines side of West Des Moines” and shared many mutual friends. Rick spent decades managing West Grand Conoco adn Drake Texaco before semi-retiring; Shellie also semi-retired after years with UnityPoint. The couple bough their home at 13th and Locust in 1988, where they raised their tow children. Their children have given them three grandchildren.
A Legacy of Connection in Valley Junction
Life in Valley Junction has continued to be rich with community connections. Rex Mathes Elementary, Stilwell, Valley Junction High School, and the Holiday Park baseball and softball fields became the backdrop for countless memories. The teams, schools, and friendships formed there have shaped the Gibson family’s story – one deeply rooted in the heart of Valley Junction.