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Tucson icons: Johnny Gibson (photos)
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Tucson icons: Johnny Gibson (photos)

  • Jan 31, 2017
  • Jan 31, 2017 Updated Jan 31, 2017
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A look back at Tucson's most-famous barber, fitness buff and World War II hero.

Johnny Gibson in his barbershop

Johnny Gibson in his barbershop
Gibson gives Ramiro Meza a haircut at Johnny Gibson's Barber Shop in 2001. Jori Klein/Arizona Daily Star

Johnny Gibson, war hero

Johnny Gibson, war hero
Johnny Gibson in 1994, 50 years after going ashore with Allied forces on Normandy Beach for the invasion of Europe. Rick Wiley/Tucson Citizen 1994

Mr. Arizona

Mr. Arizona
Johnny Gibson as "Mr. Arizona" in 1950. Courtesy Johnny Gibson

Gibson outside his shop

Gibson outside his shop
Johnny Gibson outside his barber shop on North Sixth Avenue in 1949. Courtesy Johnny Gibson

Senior competitor

Senior competitor
Johnny Gibson was a regular competitor and frequent medalist in the Senior Olympic Festival. James S. Wood/Arizona Daily Star 2004

Gibson family

Gibson family
Johnny and Pearle Gibson shopping for Christmas at 6th Avenue and Congress St. in 1953. WONG SUTTON NEWS PHOTO

Johnny Gibson in his barbershop

Johnny Gibson in his barbershop
Johnny Gibson, cutting hair in his barber shop in 1980. P.K. Weis, Tucson Citizen

A trim for the Gov.

A trim for the Gov.
Arizona Gov. John Howard Pyle was just one of the esteemed guests at Johnny Gibson's Barber Shop in the 1950s, when Downtown Tucson was in full swing. Courtesy Johnny Gibson

Gibson's shop during the heyday

Gibson's shop during the heyday
Undated photo of Johnny Gibson's barber shop on North Sixth Avenue. Courtesy Johnny Gibson

Always in shape

Always in shape
Johnny Gibson was still able to walk downstairs on his hands at age 57. Scott Braucher/Arizona Daily Star 1979

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