Richard "Joe" Rayburn

Richard “Joe” Rayburn, 76, of Gibbon passed away on February 6, 2023 at his home. Funeral services will be held at 10 AM on Friday, February 10, 2023 at the Gibbon Faith United Church with Pastors Jean-Marc and Lawrence Francis officiating. Burial with military honors will follow in the Riverside Cemetery in Gibbon. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 PM on Thursday, February 9th at the church. Memorials are suggested to the Seventh Day Church, the Gibbon EMS, and the Gibbon Methodist Church.

Joe was born on July 12, 1946 in Kearney, NE to Dale and Dorothy (Marrs) Rayburn. He grew up in Gibbon and received his education from Gibbon High School. He entered the Army on November 16, 1965 and served during the Vietnam War. During his time in the Army, Joe had the honor of receiving a National Defense Service Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Purple Heart, and a Vietnam Service Medal with a Bronze Service Star. He was honorably discharged on August 16, 1967.

He was united in marriage to Patricia Creamer on September 27, 1969 in Smith Center, Kansas. After which the couple made Gibbon their home where Joe owned and operated Rayburn Truck Line and Rayburn Auto Parts.

He was a member of the Seventh Day Church and the Faith United Methodist Church. He loved his two dogs, Pumpkin and Lizzy. He enjoyed wood working in his shop. He loved spending time with his grandchildren shooting trap, fishing and taking them to church camps. Joe never met a stranger and always had something to say. He loved his church and bible study groups. He was a very devoted father, Christian and a loving man to his sweetheart, Patty.

He is survived by his wife, Patricia Rayburn; sons, James (Joni Thornburg) Rayburn and David (Kasey) Rayburn; five grandsons; and brother, Cy (Janice) Rayburn.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and father-in-law, Floyd Creamer.