Donald R. Hibler Jr.
Donald Ray Hibler, Jr., 72, passed away on Sunday, January 12, 2025, at his home in Bates City, MO.
Don was born on September 9, 1952, in Independence, MO to Don and Joann Hibler. He grew up in Sugar Creek, Blue Springs, and Oak Grove MO, graduating from Oak Grove High School in 1970. After high school, he attended Central Missouri State University where he met the love of his life, Paula. They married on October 18, 1975, and built a home and family in the Oak Grove area for the next 50 years. He retired as a Senior Engineer from Fike Corporation in 2015 after 40 years of service with numerous patents to his name. He was a loving father to three children and “Papaw” to nine grandchildren.
Don was preceded in death by his parents.
Don is survived by his wife, Paula (Merriman) Hibler of Bates City, his daughter Erin Hibler (Josh) of Bates City, son Trae Hibler (Liz) of Leawood, KS, and son Tyler Hibler (Megan) of Overland Park, KS; nine grandchildren: Chloie (Zack), Hagan, Avery, Madison, James, William, Quinn, Henry, and Emma; two step grandchildren: Tyler (Cordelia), and Kynlee; two step great-grandchildren: Ames and Jett; and sisters Pamela Robinson (Roger) of Bates City, Becky McPherson (Otis) of Bates City, and Tammy Jo Vroom of Oak Grove.
Visitation will be Thursday, January 16th from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., funeral services will be Friday, January 17th at 10:30 a.m., all at First Baptist Church of Oak Grove, 400 SE 14th St, Oak Grove, MO.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks for memorial donations to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research.
Obituary submitted by the family.
Arrangements: Royer Funeral Home, Oak Grove, MO 816-690-4441