Donald W. Gibler

Donald W. Gibler, 75 of Virden, formerly of Auburn, passed away Tuesday, October 21, 2025 at BJC Memorial Hospital in Belleville, IL.

He was born June 17, 1950 in Memphis, TN; the son of Donald Earl and Mamie Elaine Griffin Gibler.

Donald married Laurel “Laurie” Heitzler on August 18, 1973 in Atkinson, IL.  He was preceded in death by his parents; grandson, James D. Hoskison and aunt, Jean White.

Don grew up in Decatur, graduating from St. Teresa High School.  Don served in the U.S. Army stationed in Colorado and Korea.  He was a sports broadcaster for WSMI and WRVI radio and also worked on Channel 55.   His love for the STL Cardinals, Fighting Illini and Chicago Bears allowed him to interview and meet icons such as Stan Musiel, Whitey Herzog, Red Schoendienst, Jack Buck, and Harry Carey. Don did play-by-play for Virden and Auburn basketball and football.  He also was a graphic artist for the Virden Recorder.  He enjoyed all sports, telling jokes, trips to Colorado, fishing, boating and most of all his family.

Surviving are his wife, Laurie; one daughter, Tara (James) Hoskinson; one son, Daniel Gibler; five grandchildren, Claire, Alice and Sylvia Hoskinson, Griffin and Reagan Gibler; sister, Cynthia Wilson; several brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held from 9:30am until time of funeral mass at 11am, Monday, October 27, 2025 at St. Benedict’s Catholic Church, Auburn with Rev. James Palakudy officiating.  Burial will be in St. Bernard’s Cemetery, Glenarm.

In lieu of flowers, tributes may be made in memory of Don Gibler to the General Liver Fund, online at  https://www.foundationbarnesjewish.org Click on the Give Now button, select Other in the drop-down menu under “I want to support”, then type in General Liver Fund, then select the Yes, this is an honor or memorial gift box to enter Don Gibler. 

Or by mail  

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions made payable to The Foundation for Barnes-Jewish Hospital, memo: Don Gibler/General Liver Fund. Send to The Foundation for Barnes-Jewish Hospital; 1001 Highlands Plaza Drive West, Suite 140; St. Louis, MO, 63110.

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