Bobie Jean Gibbins McDaniel died peacefully at her home in Midland, Texas on Thursday, October 31, 2013. She was born on October 17, 1926 in Borger, Texas the firstborn daughter of oil business pioneers Flo Jean and J.P. “Bum” Gibbins. Her early years were spent in the oil camps of Borger, Cross Cut, Irran, TX and then in Hobbs, NM where her father worked for Josh Cosden and then the Stanolind Oil Company. In 1935 Mr. Gibbins moved the family to Midland where he started his own company, J.P. “Bum” Gibbins, Inc. which became one of the nation’s largest oil well servicing firms.Upon graduation from Midland High School in 1943 Bobie went to Stephens College in Columbia, Missouri before transferring to the University of Texas at Austin. There she met Gene E. McDaniel an ex GI taking geology courses. She and Gene, and only child from Lathrop, Missouri, were married in January of 1949 at the First Methodist church by Presbyterian Minister Dr. Matthew Lynn. The First Presbyterian Church was still under expansion. They moved to Midland in early 1951 for Gene to go to work for J. P. Bum, Inc. Her first born son, Pat, was born in Oct. of 1950 and second son, David was born in March of 1952 followed by first daughter Mary Jean in January of 1955, and second daughter Bonnie in June of 1957.While raising these four children, she was involved in community service with the Junior League of Midland, the First Presbyterian Church, the Cub Scouts and the PTA, where she was honored with a lifetime service award.In 1962, Bobie and Gene purchased Basin Supply, Inc. from the partnership of Mr. Gibbins and Glen Mershon. Basin Supply was a retail hardware, housewares, and gift store with an oilfield supply business out of the back door located at the intersection of Dodson Street and the Andrews Highway. In late 1968, they liquidated Basin Supply, and moved next door to form A La Carte Gifts, a gourmet kitchen shop with a wine cellar and meat and cheese deli counter. A La Carte was ahead of its time for retailers such as Williams-Sonoma would form later with a similar business model. Bobie and Gene would operate the store until retirement in 1996 when they were able to spend much time at Possum Kingdom Lake until health issues brought them back to Midland full time.The family would like to express sincere appreciation to caregivers Cecelia Montoya, Jose Luis Montoya, Mary Leon, and Deanna McCracken for their compassionate and loving efforts in Mother’s last months. They also are grateful for the expert care of Dr. John McKenna, Dr. Shelton Viney, Dr. Stephen Brown, and Dr. Greg Bartha and the staff of Hospice of Midland. Mother was very happy with her care and never had a complaint. Thanks also to those who sent cards, made calls, and brought Holy Communion to the home from First Presbyterian Church. Your ministry was very comforting.Bobie was preceded in death by her parents, a sister, Jesse Ruth in 1947, and Frances Louise in 1996.Survivors are her husband, Gene McDaniel and son J.P. “Pat” McDaniel and wife Martha Ann, of Midland, Texas; son David McDaniel and his wife Sandy of San Antonio, Texas; daughter Mary Jean McDaniel of Weatherford, Texas; and daughter Bonnie McDaniel Cerrito of San Antonio, Texas. Grandchildren are Jeff Webb of Midland, Texas; Brian McDaniel of San Antonio, Texas; John Paul McDaniel of Dallas, Texas; and Cole Johnson of Austin, Texas. Bobie Jean is also survived by three great granddaughters, Reagan, Lillie, and Katherine Webb of Midland.Graveside services will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Monday, November 4, 2013 at Fairview Cemetery, officiated by Mary Beth Anton of the First Presbyterian Church.In lieu of flowers, the family suggest memorials be made to a favored charity.,
