Richard “Joe” Rayburn

Richard “Joe” Rayburn, age 76, of Gibbon, passed away on February 6, 202,3 at his home.

Funeral services were held Friday, February 10, at the Gibbon Faith United Church with Pastors Jean-Marc and Lawrence Francis officiating. Burial with military honors followed in the Riverside Cemetery in Gibbon. Memorials are suggested to the Seventh Day Church and the Gibbon EMS.

Online condolences can be sent to the family at www. apfelfuneralhome.com.

Joe was born on July 12, 1946, in Kearney 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. He received a Purple Heart, Bronze Star, Combat Infantryman Badge, and Good Conduct Medal. 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 woodworking 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.