Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Trooper Lindell J. Gibbons

Florida Highway Patrol, Florida

End of Watch Saturday, March 23, 1985

Leave a Reflection

Reflections for Trooper Lindell J. Gibbons

That sign Mr. Gibbons, Jeff, I pass by every Monday and Friday on I-75 as I travel to Naples. Cannot forget your Uncle Lindell. Trooper Gibbons rest in peace.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

April 28, 2021

My husband Jeff is Butche's brother Dwights son. And the memorial hwy makes him proud.

Jeff Gibbons
Nephew

April 12, 2020

Rest easy

Mark Mottola

March 23, 2020

The Florida Highway Patrol will be hosting a Highway Memorial Dedication Ceremony for Trooper Lindell Gibbons on Friday, December 6, 2019 at 10:00 am at the Fort Myers Florida Highway Patrol Office, 10041 Daniels Parkway. In the ceremony, a portion of Interstate 75, mile post 102 to mile post 100 in Collier County, will be dedicated to the sacrifice and service of Trooper Gibbons.
Friends, family and the public are welcome to attend the ceremony. For more information, please contact Lt. Greg Bueno 239-292-4925
RIP Brother

Lt Greg Bueno
Florida Highway Patrol Public Information Officer

November 5, 2019

Butch was not only a man dedicated to his profession but dedicated to his family as well. I was blessed to have the opportunity to know Butch thru working at the Courthouse for my first judge at the time of Butch’s death. He was well respected by all who knew him. I know with Butch’s dedication and love for his profession, he would have Retired with honors. I do believe Butch has been on his last assignment as our Angel....I miss his smile

Lanette Keller
Friend from work

September 24, 2019

Trooper Gibbons,
On today, the 34th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice-not just as a Law Enforcement Officer but for our Country as well when you served with the USAF during the Vietnam War. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

BPA Mike Casey
United States Border Patrol
El Paso Station

March 23, 2019

Rest in peace Trooper Gibbons.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

March 22, 2019

Lindell "Butch" is My grandfather. I was born several years after his passing and only within the last few years learned more about him and his family, thanks to his sister finding me on facebook. I am proud to say he was my grandfather. I'm thankful for his sacrifice.
I love you grandpa.

Miriah
Granddaughter

February 20, 2018

I was fortunate and honored to have served with Lindell Gibbons in the United States Air Force during the Vietnam War at Ubon Airbase,Thailand.We lived in the same hootch for a year and we got to be good friends.Recently I was going through some old photos,from Ubon, and came across several photos of Lindell and decided to try and reconnect with him after all these years.During my search I was devastated to learn of his passing.I would like to express my condolences to his family on behalf of the 8th Tactical Fighter (Wolfpack) Ubon,Royal Thai Air Force Base.Rest in Peace, Brother "Butch"

Dan Cullen Sgt USAF
Military friend

December 22, 2014

I was the FHP Duty Officer when it was in Everglades City, Florida. I remember returning from Marco island from a fishing trip. I was North bound on 951 and saw Trooper Gibbons out on the traffic stop. I am almost sure this is just prior to the accident. I was going to stop and ask Butch if wanted some fish. I almost did but decided not to because he was out on a traffic stop. I have always questioned myself that if I had stopped and talk to him he would have been delayed driving on I-75. This has always troubled me. No one thinks I should not feel guilty.

Retired federal law enforcement
USCIS retired Everglades City

May 5, 2014

Rest in Peace, Trooper Gibbons. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169

February 9, 2012

We will never forget the sacrifice you and your family made for us. Heroes do live forever and you sir are one of them.

Deb Azure
Mother of Deputy Renee Danell Azure
EOW 08/06/02
Union County SO, Lake Butler, FL

Anonymous

March 23, 2011

Dear brother. I thought of you this week as it was your birthday. I just wanted to stop by to say how much I still miss your handsome smiling face.

Love,

Darla

Anonymous

January 22, 2011

Another year has passed and you are still admired and respectfully remembered in the hearts and minds of so many. My thoughts and prayers are with your loved ones and friends on this anniversary of your EOW. You will never be forgotten.

James Sheppard
Father of Sgt. Jason L. Sheppard EOW 12/7/06

March 23, 2010

The wicked flee where no man pursueth, but the righteous are bold as a lion
Proverbs 28:1

You are not forgotten, especially on the anniversery of your death.

Friend of Off. Kris Fairbanks RIP 9-20-08

K.L.

March 23, 2009

To Lindell, his family and friends:

Today is the 24th anniversary of Lindell's tragic death and the day all your lives changed forever. As I read the loving reflections left by those who called Butch beloved, I am mindful of the journey we all struggle with as we try to make a life for ourselves...we know that is what our beloved would want us to do, but the heart always aches for the one who can only be with us in spirit for now.

I hope that you all find some peace in your heart today as you hold your memories like the rare and beautiful pearls they are.

May Butch's spirit continue to soar and his memory continue to inspire.

Rest in Peace, Butch. Your valor and dedication and sacrifice will never be forgotten.

Phyllis Loya, mother of Larry Lasater, PPD, eow 4/24/05

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater

March 23, 2009

I recall Mr. Gibbons was a big man that stood over us as kids in the neighborhood. I grew up with his sons Brian and Matt in Chaffee. They lived just down the street. I just wanted to take the time to thank him and his family for his great sacrifice during Law Enforcment Memorial Week. I know that he was the type of officer that we all strive to be.

Detective Bobby Sullivan
Sikeston Department of Public Safety

May 14, 2008

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR SERVICE

Van Den Berghe
MANCHESTER, NH

February 27, 2008

MEMORIES LINGER OF CHILDHOOD WALKS WHEN YOU ALLOWED YOUR LITTLE SISTER TO GO HUNTING WITH YOU. THE TIMES WE WOULD BUILD A RAFT AND SUDDENLY THE CREEK BEHIND OUR HOUSE BECAME THE GREAT MISSISSIPPI AND YOU WERE TOM SAWYER AND I WAS BECKY THATCHER.

YOU HAVE BEEN GONE FROM SIGHT FOR 23 YEARS NOW AND STILL IN MY MIND YOU LIVE ON. EVERYTIME I GO TO OUR LITLE HOME TOWN OF CHAFFEE MISSOURI YOU ARE THERE IN THE QUITE FIELDS, THE ROLLING HILLS AND THE CREEKS SURROUNDING OUR TOWN.

AN ODE TO OFFICERS AND THEIR FAMILIES AND LOVED ONES

AN ODE TO THE OFFICERS STILL KEEPING WATCH AND LEFT TO GRIEVE.

AN ODE TO A GRACIOUS GOD WHO GIVES THEM ALL THE STRENGTH TO PUT ON THAT UNIFORM AND WALK THAT LINE EVERYDAY FOR US ALL.

DARLA GIBBONSMEYERS
BUTCHES' SISTER

February 6, 2008

"The Badge"

He starts his shift each day
To respond to calls unknown.
He drives a marked patrol car.
A police officer he is known.

He's paid by the citizens' taxes
To make it safe on the streets.
But he usually has a second job
'Cause a waitress has his salary beat.

Now he doesn't know a holiday
'Cause he works all year round.
And when Thanksgiving and Christmas finally arrive
At his home he cannot be found.

He's cursed and assaulted often,
The one whos blood runs blue.
He seldom ever gets a thanks,
To some he's just a fool.

His friends are always other cops
'Cause people just don't understand
That underneath his badge and gun,
He's just another man.

He knows there might not be a tomorrow
In this world of drugs and crime.
And he gets so mad at the court system
'Cause the crooks don't get any time.

And each day when he leaves for work,
He prays to God above.
Please bring me home after my shift
So I can see the ones I love.

But tonight he stops a speeding car,
He's alone down this ole' highway.
It's just a little traffic infraction.
He does it everyday.

Well, he walks up to the driver's window,
And his badge is shining bright.
He asked the guy for a driver's license,
When a shot rang through the night.

Yes, the bullet hit its mark,
Striking the officer in the chest.
But the Department's budget didn't buy
Each officer a bullet-proof vest.

So he lay on the ground bleeding.
His blood wasn't blue - His blood was red.
And briefly he thought of his loved ones
'Cause in a moment the officer was dead.

In the news they told the story
Of how this officer had died.
And some who listened cared less,
But those who loved him cried.

Well, they buried him in uniform
With his badge pinned on his chest.
He even had his revolver,
He died doing his best.

Written By:
David L. Bell
Sergeant
Richland County Sheriff's Department
Columbia, South Carolina
Used with Special Permission of the Author
Copyright © 1999 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

Investigator David L Bell
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC

December 12, 2007

I opened up the ODMP site today and your picture was the featured officer. I wanted to stop at your page and leave a reflection to let you know that you have not been forgotten. Continue to keep watch over your loved ones who I know think of you every day and have done so for over 2 decades. Also, keep watch over those still out on patrol watching over the Thin Blue Line.

Bob Gordon
Father of Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04

August 1, 2007

Butch Gibbons was the most wonderful nephew, my three sons
and I loved him so much and the boys always wanted to be like Butch. He was always such an encouragement to me.He was a wonderful Christian man and loved the Lord Jesus with all of his heart. He always wanted to be a state trooper and was so excited when he was accepted in Florida
I think of him so much and I miss him and pray for his family. I am grateful to God for blessing my life so much
by knowing him and loving him. He truly was a man of God.
Linda Weaver ( Aunt )

linda weaver
aunt

April 13, 2007

lindell was my nephew and was dedicated to what he was doing in the state patrol. he was a wonderful man and loved his family. he always did what he could do for anyone he knew. his life as a christan showed in his manner. we all loved him and miss him dearly. he was always butch to us. i know he is happy now and looks down on all of us.
lavetta curtis ( aunt)
chaffee mo.

lavetta curtis
aunt

April 12, 2007

Butch was my big brother and I miss him more every day. I want everyone to know he died doing what he had always wanted to do. From a very early age he had wanted to be a state trooper and he barely made it because of his age. He felt he was called of God to do this service and surely he was. The small town of Chaffee, Mo. still grieves for him and his families loss. Can't wait to see you again someday bro!
Your Sis, Darla

DARLA GIBBONS MEYERS
LINDELL'S (Butch's) sister

March 30, 2007

I miss you dad, but I know you and Granny are now shouting on the Streets of Glory!!!

Matthew Gibbons

February 8, 2006

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