Gilbert "Gib" McKain

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Gilbert “Gib” L. McKain, who departed from this life on Jul 28, 2025 at the age of 78. Gib went to rest peacefully at HCA HealthOne Aurora, with his loving wife at his side.

Born on May 31, 1947, in Wichita, Kansas, Gilbert was the beloved child of Bobby D. and Lillian (Garner) McKain. He loved to tell stories of his youth, growing up in rural Kansas with his older brother Bobby L. It was there he learned to fly, receiving his pilot’s license as a teen and developed a passion for cars and motorcycles at the service station owned by his father. Working on his vehicles was always his favorite hobby.

He served a short stint in the U.S. Army, being discharged honorably after his brother Bobby was killed in action during the Vietnam War. His brother was known to be Gib’s greatest hero, and he spoke of him fondly and often.

After serving in the Army, he pursued a career in computer programming and worked in the civil service with the Department of Defense working at the Federal Center in Lakewood, Colorado, Lowry Air Force Base in Denver, Colorado, and Robins Air Force Base in Warner Robins, Georgia.

Gilbert married his wife Barbara (Zickefoose) on December 9, 1982, in Aurora, Colorado. They moved to Warner Robins, Georgia in 1985. There, Gib and Barbara, raised their two children, Jennifer and John before returning to Aurora in 1998. In 2003 Gib retired from the civil service with the U.S. Department of Defense after a 29 year career.

In his later years, he enjoyed golfing in his free time, but his biggest desire was to travel with Barbara. He sold the last motorcycle he ever owned to pay for their first cruise together. After this, they continued to travel on many more cruises to many destinations.

Gilbert was a faithful follower of Christ and his life exemplified what it meant to be a devout Christian, as well as a model husband and father.

Gilbert was preceded by his brother Bobby L. McKain, father Bobby D. McKain, and mother Lillian McKain. His legacy lives in the memories, love and teachings he leaves behind with his family, including wife Barbara, daughter Jennifer Shoemaker (Rhett), and son John Shirey (Amanda) as well as eight grandchildren (Madison, Kayla, Logan, Gavin, Darci, McKain “Mack”, Jada, and Knox) and two great grandchildren (Lydia and Elayna). He was greatly loved and will be missed by many.

A private celebration of life will be held with close family. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Gib's name to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation - https://t2t.org/donate/

John 16:22