Obituary of Donald Gene Ibbotson

Donald Gene Ibbotson of Yuba City, passed away on August 19, 2022, in Carmichael, California, surrounded by family. He was 86 years old.

Don was born in Fremont, Ohio to Virgil and Opal Ibbotson on November 29, 1935. He graduated from Bowling Green State University in Ohio. In Bowling Green, he was a member of ROTC before joining the United States Air Force shortly after graduation, where he would serve honorably for 22 years. He married the love of his life, Lucille Irene Adamchak, on January 24, 1961, in Bossier City, Louisiana. Don and Cille raised three children and enjoyed a fruitful life together. 

While in the Air Force, Don spent much of his career deployed overseas, primarily in Southeast Asia during the Vietnam War. He earned the rank of Lieutenant Colonel and received many awards and commendations during his many years of service, including Distinguished Flying Cross with one Oak Leaf Cluster and an Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with Valor.

After retiring from the Air Force, he and fellow retired Air Force officer, Robert McBratney Sr., started a successful business together in which they built and managed their own commercial real estate in Yuba City, California.

Don is preceded in death bu his parents, Virgil & Opal Ibbotson; his sister Lois Stackhouse; and his wife of 58 years, Lucille Ibbotson. Don is survived by his children, David Ibbotson, Donna Ibbotson & Mark Ibbotson; brother, Ed Ibbotson and his wife Judy Ibbotson; grandchildren , Christian Ibbotson, Kimberly Ibbotson, Cole Ibbotson, Lane Ibbotson, Sofia Ibbotson, Alex Ibbotson & Megan Spurlock. He is also survived by one-great-grandchild, the soon-to-be born child of grandson, Christian. 

Don's family wishes to extend sincere thanks and appreciation to emergency medical personnel, the staff at Rideout Hospital in Marysville, California, the staff at Mercy San Juan Medical Center in Carmichael, California, and the staff at Sierra View Mortuary & Memorial Park in Olivehurst, California.