Deaven Derrick Gibson, 16, went to be with the Angels on January 11, 2021 in Scottsbluff surrounded by his family.
He was born on October 25, 2004 in Scottsbluff to Valoree Gibson. Valoree named him Deaven, like Heaven, because he was a gift from God. That is why the special spelling. Deaven was a very special person from the beginning. We knew he was destined for great things. Deaven set a “Live On Nebraska” record for his organ donation, making him a hero, which we knew from the beginning, for saving so many lives, our true little hero.
Deaven was a kind and caring young man. He was always there for the underdog. Protecting his little sister and brother from being bullied. It didn’t matter if he knew them or not, he was there. He was his mom’s, grandma’s and girlfriend’s protector.
He just shot his first Trophy Buck with his Grandpa Gibson and Uncle Chris. His Uncle Branden helped too. He was so looking forward to his first ice fishing season. We all know how competitive his Uncle Justin and Branden are, so they were going to show him how. Uncle Mike and Deaven were alike, they were just out for the fun.
Deaven attended pre-school at Honey Bear Pre-School, grade school in Alliance and was a sophomore at Alliance High School.
He is survived by his parents Valoree and Christopher Schmidt, his sister Alicia Brave, his brother James (JC) Schmidt, grandparents Lois and Kevin Grieser, Ken and Tara Gibson and Lela Schmidt, his great-grandparents Beth Grieser and Louis Jessop, Sr, his uncles Justin (Candice), Mike (Keri), Branden (Winter), Chris (Kyren) and Dion Gibson, his aunts Sierra (Sam), Madison Gibson and numerous cousins. Uncle Anthony, Aunt Twylite, Jerri and Felicia Schmidt, and his special friends Florence Nickens and Ted Dunbar.
He was preceded in death by great-grandparents Ermine Jessop, Kathy Gibson, Buckly Grieser and James Schmidt, his great-uncle Don Gibson, cousin Derrick Gibson, uncle Shane Dawn and Timothy Schmidt cousin Dominic Dawn.
Wake services are Friday, January 15 at 4:00 p.m. at the First Christian Church. Funeral services are Saturday, January 16 at 10:00 a.m. at First Christian Church with Reverend Kent Steinke and Reverend Don Mink officiating. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery.
The Deaven Gibson Memorial has been established and donations may be sent to Consumers Cooperative Federal Credit Union, P.O. Box 836, Alliance, NE 69301.