Obituary - John B. Gideon

John B. Gideon of Chinook, Montana, 70, stepped across the threshold of Heaven and was met by the embrace of Jesus Saturday, April 18th, 2020.

John was born January 20th, 1950, to Clarence and the Rev. Henrietta (VanDercar) Gideon in Zion, Illinois. His school years were spent in Wheatfield, Indiana.

As a boy, John was stricken with rheumatic fever, leaving him partially paralyzed. Several years later, and fully recovered, he proudly enlisted with the U.S. Army, serving a tour in Vietnam with “the greatest men to have ever lived” in B 3/1 11th 1968-69 on LZ Liz as a combat infantryman. Upon returning home he received a Purple Heart alongside his Brother in Arms, Arthur “T.T. Bear” Frederick.

John was a jack of all trades throughout his life working as a grave digger, hospital orderly, grain elevator operator and cook. His favorite employment years were spent at Milk River, Inc in Glasgow. The clients became like family and he visited them even after retiring.

In his “free” time John enjoyed attending church. He was a published poet, and relished in many family activities including: Camping, fishing, bird watching, puzzles, collecting sports cards and reading his well-loved Bible.

He is preceded in death by his parents, sister Elsie; brother, Larry and granddaughter Elizabeth.

John is survived by his wife, Peggy; children, Evaana and Shalee (Michael) of TX, Maggie (Jason), David, Mikhala (Stuart), Bailey, Eli (Chasity), and Jonnie (Bryce) all of Montana; his sister Esther (Ted) of OR, his cousin Bert of Idaho, 34 grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, and many nieces, nephews, friends and Brothers in Arms.

Our Daddy is finally free from his pain. He sleeps.

John’s viewing will be held at the Wilderness Funeral Home in Chinook today, April 23rd, from 5-7 p.m.. His graveside services and interment will be in the Highland Cemetery in Glasgow, Montana, Friday, April 24th, at 2 p.m.