of England, AR

July 22, 1932 - October 16, 2022

On Sunday, October 16, 2022 surrounded by his beloved family, Van D. Gibbins of England went to his heavenly home. He was born to Eityhel and Luvesta Henderson Gibbins on July 22, 1932 in Altheimer, Arkansas.

Van was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Jewel Marie; his brothers, Ulyes Faye and Joe Carroll and a grandson, Joshua Seamon. He leaves behind three daughters to honor his legacy, Stephanie Euseppi (Joe) of Branson, MO, Elizabeth Seamon (Mike) of England and Tanya Pettit (Leonard) of England; his grandchildren (the absolute apples of his eye), Amber Smith of Springfield, MO, Ashley Owen, Brittney Robinson (Bradley) and Clayton Pettit; along with his "Snoopys" (the great grands), Caleb Hillis, Carleigh Robinson, Tyson Pettit all of England and Skylar Smith of Branson, MO. He is also survived by his younger brother, Lynn Earl Gibbins of England and sister-in-laws, Louise Gibbins of Stuttgart and Katie Gibbins of Sherwood, along with a host of extended family and friends.

In 1937, Van's family moved from Altheimer to Armorel, AR followed by moves to Blytheville (1938), Union City, TN (1939), Coy (1945) and Tomberlin (1947). He attended Tomberlin School through Grade 9 and then England High School. Upon graduating from England High School in 1951, Van joined the US Navy and served on the USS Rochester for three years. Returning home, he met the love of his life, Jewel Marie Roe, to whom he was married for 58 years. Van and his family lived in Tomberlin, where he farmed for several years before moving to England and beginning his long career as a crop adjuster. Throughout the years, Van traveled many miles to farms far and wide. He made lifelong friends with his numerous colleagues and many of the farmers he helped.

Van was a devout Christian who served and loved the Lord daily. He was an elder at Coy Church of Christ until its closing where he was the last church member to walk out and lock the doors for good. Van was a loving son, husband, father and grandfather. His first priority was always his family. He will be remembered by all who knew him as a man of faith, a friend to everyone and a sweet soul who was loved and respected by all.

The family wishes to thank the staff of Lonoke Health and Rehab and Olivia Scherm, PA-C, for their kindness and care of Van during his time there.

Roller Funeral Home in England will be providing arrangements. A visitation with the family will be held Wednesday, October 19 from 6:00-8:00 pm and a funeral service will be Thursday, October 20 at 2:00pm with interment to follow at Mulberry Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please consider giving a donation in Van's memory to Arkansas Children's Hospital in Little Rock; Southern Christian Home, 100 W. Harding, Morrilton AR 72110 or a charity of your choice.

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