Homer Dean McGibbon, 81, dies
(Aug. 22, 1924 - Dec. 25, 2005)

Homer Dean McGibbon, 81, died at 2:30 a.m. Sunday, December 25, 2005, at his residence in Swayzee, Indiana.  He was born in Swayzee to the late Ford B. and Dora Mae (Davis) McGibbon.  He married Ruby Lowrene (Craw) McGibbon on May 28, 1949. She survives.

He had lived in Swayzee all of his life and was a self-employed farmer.  He served in the Navy as a Seabee during Word War II from 1944 to 1946.  He was a member of U.S. Trotting Horse Association and had raced Pacers for 30 years.  All of his Standardbred horses had the name of Swayzee.  Swayzee Jake, Swayzee Bullet, Swayzee Warrior, Swayzee Lady, Swayzee Torpedo, and Swayzee Bomber were a few of his horses.

He was a 50-year member and a past master of Masonic Grant Lodge #637.  He also was a member of York Rite, where he received the Knight York Cross of Honor and served as past high priest, past illustrious master and past commander of commandry.  He also was a member and a past worthy patron of Eastern Star in Swayzee.

Survivors include wife, Ruby McGibbon, Swayzee; stepchildren, Nolan "Nick" (Carol) Thomas, Gaston, and Gerry (John) Chapel, Silver Point, Tennessee; grandchildren, John (Sherrin) Chapel, Swayzee, Brian (Sheli) Thomas, Muncie, Brent (Liz) Thomas, Muncie, Kelly (David) Edwards, Muncie, and Brenda (David) Smith, Gainesboro, Tennessee; brother, Charles McGibbon, San Antonio, Texas; sister, Margaret (Boyd) Toney, Marion; and four great-grandchildren.  He was preceded in death by his parents; and brother, Joe Bob McGibbon.

Services were Wednesday, December 28.  Online condolences may be made at www.nswcares.com.  Cards may be send to the family at: 8723 W. 200 S., Swayzee, IN  46986-9746