Gibson

Don Bishop Gibson Jr., 78, passed away at his home in Tallahassee, Fla., on Wednesday, Sept. 2, 2026.

He was born in Butler, son of the late Don Bishop Gibson Sr. and Marianne Gibson.

He is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Kyung-Ae Cho Gibson. He is also survived by his two children, three grandchildren, and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. Also surviving are his sister, Helen Kay Okeson, of Butler; and his brother, Roger Gibson, of Gibsonia.

After graduating from Butler High School, he was the principal flute and featured soloist in the U.S. Navy Band. He completed two degrees at Duquesne, before earning his doctorate from Florida State University in 1983.

He then accumulated an extensive administration record across major public and private institutions before returning to Florida State to serve as dean of the College of Music from 2006 to 2013. From 2009 to 2012, he was president of the National Association of Schools of Music. He was the executive director and president of Pi Kappa Lambda, the national music honor society.

After stepping down from the deanship, his work continued at Florida State University as dean emeritus and professor of music theory. It was during this time that he was inducted into Duquesne’s Century Club.

Most of all, he was a kind, giving man and his family and friends will greatly miss him.

Please sign the guest book at www.butlereagle.com.