Gilbert Cation

Gilbert (Gib) W. Cation passed from this earth to eternal life on January 7, 2016 at Wellsville Retirement Community in Wellsville, Kansas. A celebration of his life will be held at First Presbyterian Church in Independence, Kansas on Saturday, January 16, 2016 at 1:00 p.m., followed by burial at Mount Hope Cemetery in Independence.
Gilbert Weston Cation was born on February 23, 1923 in Allen County, Kansas, the son of Carl Wesco Cation and Irene Mable (Fewins) Cation. Gib graduated from Humboldt High School, Chanute Junior College, and attended Pittsburg State University, playing basketball in both high school and college. He was employed at Boeing of Wichita as a Class A Welder on the Stearman plane and later worked fixing "squawks" on the nose sections of the B-29's. He was drafted in 1943 and received his overseas assignment to 73 Bomb Wing, 874th Bomb Squadron, 498th Bomb Group, working in the Pacific Theatre as a specialist repairing B-29's.
Returning to civilian life, he went to work for Great Lakes Pipeline Co., which later became Williams Pipe Line. He was a Supervisor when he retired after 37 ½ years, and served on the board of the Williams Credit Union.
Gib was a Life Member of Dewlen-Dix Post 1186 in Independence, KS. He was recently awarded his certificate for 65 years of membership in the Masonic Fraternity, with most recent membership in Virginia Lodge #315 of Savonburg, KS. In addition, Gib was a member of the Independence Lions Club, serving as President from 1989-1990, and was recognized as a Melvin Jones Fellow for dedicated humanitarian services by Lions Club International. Gib was an active member of First Presbyterian Church in Independence until physical difficulties kept him from continuing active participation. He was always involved in other churches wherever he moved throughout Kansas, Oklahoma and Nebraska, as well as fully engaging in each community where he and his family made their homes.
Gib enjoyed fishing, playing table games, watching sports, and was known for his sweet tooth, especially when it came to ice cream. He loved his wife and family and was very proud of them, and was grateful for the time he could spend with them as well as his many friends throughout the years. He was a gentle giant of a man, always careful to consider the needs of others before his own, even to the very end. With a wonderful sense of humor, he brought great joy to many, many people.
Gilbert is survived by a son, Mark Cation and his wife Debbie, Ottawa, KS, a sister-in-law, Jane Slagle and husband Roy, Tomball, Texas, a sister-in-law, Susan Barlow, (J. Steven Barlow, deceased) Princeton, Ill., a sister-in-law, Winifred Cation of Wichita, KS, three grandchildren, Mark "Adam" Cation and his wife Amanda, Chanute, KS, Jennifer Blaine and husband Cory, Ottawa, KS, Michael Cation and his wife, Katie, Austin, Texas, and seven great-grandchildren: Isaac, Rylee, Ryker, Cooper, Owen, Aaron and Graeme. He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother, Carl "Wes" Cation, and his wife of 67 years, Martha "Ann" Cation.
His family and friends will miss him dearly, but are grateful for the life he lived and the eternal life into which he has now entered.
Webb & Rodrick Chapel and Crematory is in charge of funeral arrangements. Suggestions for memorial contributions include First Presbyterian Church of Independence, KS, any Veterans organization, or a charity of choice.

Service

Public Service

First Presbyterian Church
201 S 5th St.
Independence, KS  67301
Saturday, January 16, 2016
1:00 p.m.

Cemetery

Mount Hope Cemetery
N Penn Avenue
Independence, KS  67301

Memorial Contributions

First Presbyterian Church
PO Box 612
Independence, KS  67301