William L. Hibler 1933-2024

Bill was born Sept. 8, 1933, in Warren, the son of Michael W. and Julia Lewis Hibler.

He was a 1951 graduate of Mineral Ridge High School, where he played baseball, basketball and he was in the marching band. He worked for RMI in Niles for 20 years, then took a position with the Bliss corporation in Salem as a quality control manager for an additional 20 years prior to retiring in 1995. Bill was also a veteran of the U.S. Army, and was stationed in Germany from 1954 to 1956 as a tank mechanic before being honorably discharged. He married his high school sweetheart and love of his life, the former Betty L. Jones, on Aug. 22, 1953. They shared 63 years of marriage and many wonderful memories together, including many vacations to Myrtle Beach and their favorite destination, Disney World in Florida. She preceded him in death on Dec. 9, 2016.

Bill was a member of the former Mineral Ridge United Methodist Church and the Niles McKinley Grand Masonic Lodge No. 794. He loved all sports; his favorite teams were the Cleveland Browns and Cavaliers. He also enjoyed model trains, stock car racing and NASCAR, having himself been a racer in the 1960s at the Canfield Speedway, where he drove his #52 blue Chevy Belair.

Bill is survived by his son, Robert M. (Elizabeth) Hibler of Mineral Ridge. He also leaves behind two granddaughters, Chelsa Hibler Sparks of Mineral Ridge and Courtney Hibler of Orlando, Florida; a grandson-in-law, William Sparks Jr. of Mineral Ridge; and two great-grandchildren, Billy and Lily. Bill loved his family, especially his grandchildren, who brought him so much joy. He also leaves his beloved cat, Sprite, who slept with him on his bed every night to give him comfort and relief, and was a loving companion.

Besides his wife, Bill was preceded in death by his parents; and a son, William E. Hibler, who passed away in 1983.

Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Wednesday, April 3, 2024, at the Lane Funeral Home Mineral Ridge Chapel, 1350 N. Canfield Niles Road, Mineral Ridge. Friends may call one hour prior to services, from 10 to 11 a.m. Wednesday at the funeral home. He will be laid to rest, next to his beloved wife, in the Green Haven Cemetery, Canfield.

This obituary may be viewed and condolences can be sent by visiting www.lanefuneralhomes.com.

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