Former banking exec dies at 77

SBJ file photo

Don Gibson held executive roles at Guaranty Bank and Great Southern Bank.

Former Guaranty Federal Bancshares Inc. (Nasdaq: GFED) chairperson and CEO Don Gibson died Feb. 18. He was 77.

Gibson had esophageal cancer, according to his obituary posted to GormanScharpf.com.

Gibson retired in 2016 after 55 years working in the banking industry, according to Springfield Business Journal archives. Prior to joining Guaranty Bank, Gibson was a longtime executive at Great Southern Bancorp Inc., for which he last served as vice chairperson. He also worked a brief stint as president of Sinclair National Bank in Gravette, Arkansas.

He was succeeded at Guaranty Bank as CEO in 2005 by current leader Shaun Burke. When he retired as chairperson in 2016, the company selected former Convoy of Hope executive Jim Batten as the new head of the board. Batten continues to serve as board chairperson for the company, according to its website.

“His contributions and support for Guaranty Bank will always be remembered and appreciated,” Burke said in a provided statement. “He was a great banker, a devoted family man and a true friend to many.”

Gibson's obituary indicates he started his banking career at Union National Bank in downtown Springfield. The majority of his career was spent at Great Southern, from which he retired in 2000.

“Don had a distinguished banking career, and Great Southern was fortunate to have him as part of our leadership team for 25 years,” a provided statement from the company reads. “He was highly respected in the banking industry and in our community, and leaves a lasting legacy.”