Theodore "Tom" Gibbs

Theodore Thomas Gibbs, known affectionately to family and friends as Tom, passed away on May 7, 2026, at Mountain Ridge Hospital, surrounded by his family, at the age of 80.

A graveside celebration of life for Tom, a resident of Thornton, Colorado, and former longtime resident of Lamar, Colorado, will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, May 22, 2026, at Fairmount Cemetery in Lamar. In keeping with his wishes, there will be no viewing.

Tom was born on June 11, 1945, in Lamar, Colorado, to Theodore R. Gibbs and Grace Vivian (Johnson) Gibbs. He spent the first 22 years of his life in Lamar before moving to Los Angeles, California, in 1967. Later that year, he married Janet Morrow, and in 1968 they welcomed their son, Brian. The family returned to Colorado in 1970, living first in Greeley, then moving to Wiggins in 1973, and later to Kit Carson in 1978.

He began his working life as a roofer. After returning to Colorado, he worked on the 1600 Glenarm Place building, then recognized as the tallest building in Colorado. After the move to Wiggins, Tom began a 27-year career with the Colorado Department of Transportation, and in 1978 he was promoted to a position in Kit Carson.

Tom had a deep love for sports, especially baseball. In Wiggins, he and another local resident built baseball fields and helped establish Tee Ball, Pee Wee, and Little League programs. He also coached his son Brian in Tee Ball and Pee Wee. After moving to Kit Carson, Tom once again dedicated himself to youth baseball, helping reestablish the sport in the community by organizing Little League and Babe Ruth teams and restoring the baseball field. He coached for five years, served two seasons as assistant coach for the High Plains All-Star team, and later spent one season as head coach.

After retiring from CDOT, Tom moved to Thornton, Colorado. While working as a shuttle driver at the 2003 Stock Show, he met Elaine Williamson, who became his beloved significant other for the next 23 years. In retirement, Tom continued to enjoy both work and travel. He later worked for the Neoplan Bus Plant, delivering buses across the country and traveling to 46 states.

Tom also worked for many years as a shuttle driver for the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field, a job he truly loved. He often spoke about the many interesting people he met and especially enjoyed catching a few innings before returning to shuttle fans after the game.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents and his siblings.

He is survived by his son, Brian (Denyse) Gibbs of Erie, Colorado; his significant other, Elaine Williamson, of the family home in Thornton; his nephews, Darrell Bannister and Mike Bannister; his niece, Donna Christopher; Elaine’s daughter, Robin (Ryan) Peck; grandson, Ryland Peck; numerous extended family members; and many dear friends.

Memorial contributions may be made directly to The Wild Animal Sanctuary, 1946 County Road 53, Keenesburg, Colorado 80643, or in care of the funeral home office.