Hibbeler obit
Charles (“Charlie”) Leroy Hibbeler of Fort Myers Beach died on July 5, 2010, at the young age of 98. He was born on June 4, 1912, in St. Louis, Missouri to Frank and Katherine (Fisher) Hibbeler-the ninth of ten children-and had a zest for life ever since.
Charlie was a 1941 graduate of the University of Missouri with a degree in Mechanical Engineering, and invested 43 years working for Nooter Corporation in St. Louis, Missouri, retiring as the Machine Shop Superintendent in 1977. His name is on two important patents for steel fabricating processes.
After his retirement, he and his wife moved to Fort Myers Beach and traveled the world, were members of the Caloosa Bird Club, square-danced, and enjoyed playing bridge at the Bay Oaks Senior Center. He celebrated 61 years of marriage to Elizabeth (“Betty”) Ann (O’Neal) and was devastated by her death on July 18, 2002.
One of Charlie’s many passions was his garden-spending countless hours perfecting the soil, composting, nurturing seedlings, and producing an abundance of vegetables for his family, friends and neighbors to enjoy. He had an extensive knowledge of plants of all kinds.
Charlie was a strict father who expected much of his children. But he was a hands-on parent who lovingly taught each of us to tie our shoes, ride a bike, and later to drive a car. We will miss him very much.
Charlie is survived by twin sons Wayne (Felicia) Hibbeler of King George, Virginia, and William Hibbeler (Linda) of Tyler, Texas, and daughter Jean (Mark) Holland of Medina, Ohio. He also leaves to cherish his memory grandchildren Eric (Velia) Stevens of Pflugerville, Texas; Ian Hibbeler of Williamsburg, Va.; Matthew (Terrill) Hibbeler of Chester, Va.; Jennifer Holland of Chatham, Ohio; Susan and Katherine Holland of Medina, Ohio; Scott (Shanon) Hibbeler of Bullard, Texas; Lance Hibbeler of Urbana, Ill.; and Michaela (fianc Travis Porth) Hibbeler of Denton, Texas. He had four great-grandchildren-Eric Castillo, Madelyn Stevens, and Nathaniel and Chayce Hope Hibbeler. Also surviving are three nieces-Irene (Roth) Moody Miller, Donna (Hibbeler) Croft Whitton and Barbara Batchelor. Surviving nephews are Eric, Mark and Roger Hibbeler.
In addition to his wife Betty and his parents, he was preceded in death by his daughter Karen Stevens-Church of Harrison, Arkansas, and grandson Neal Stevens of Arlington, Texas. All of his siblings also preceded him-his brothers George (Dorothy), William (Edna), Frank, Elmer (Hilda), and Gietner (Betty) Hibbeler, and his sisters Irene (John) Roth, Eleanor (Harry) Fassett, Marguerite Kratz, and Loretta (Henry) Miller.
The family would like to express gratitude to Charlie’s countless friends and neighbors who were instrumental in helping him remain in his own home and be independent and active. Among the many, the late Ethel Benner, Betty Cornell, Don Harris, and Laurie Satalino have been there for Charlie.
Following his wishes, there will be no service. In lieu of flowers, his very appropriate request is to send tributes in his name to the “bridge club” of Bay Oaks Social Seniors, which has been his life-line to his many dear friends on Fort Myers Beach. Send to the Town of Fort Myers Beach – Attention: BOSS – 2523 Estero Boulevard – Fort Myers Beach. Florida 33931. Affordable and Trusted Cremations at Horizon Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Family and friends may sign the guest register by visiting www.horizonfunerals.com.