Philip Martin Hibbard, 73, of Waverly, Iowa, passed away on Thursday, July 23, 2015, at his home. Philip Martin Hibbard was born on December 6, 1941, in Willmar, Minnesota, the son of Ralph and Doris (Westby) Hibbard. When he was a child, Phil's family moved to Mason City, Iowa. He loved to share stories about childhood antics with his friends. He truly valued education, having earned an associate degree from Mason City Junior College; a bachelor's degree from Iowa State University; a master's degree from the University of Northern Colorado; and a doctoral degree in education (Ed. D.) from the University of Northern Iowa. He taught at high schools in Ledyard, Sheffield, Waverly-Shell Rock, and North Fayette and Turkey Valley. Upon completing his doctorate, he helped teachers integrate technology into the classroom through his work at UNI as an Education Technology Specialist until his retirement in 2011.
Phil truly cherished and was so proud of his family. He adored his wife and best friend of fifty-one years, Margery Thornton Hibbard. Together they had four children, Melinda (Todd) Westendorf of Bettendorf, Iowa; Angela (Bryan) Buffington of Saint Peter, Minnesota; Matthew (Laurel) Hibbard of North Liberty, Iowa; and Regina (Michael) Brown of Des Moines, Iowa. He loved spending time with his ten grandchildren: Jenna, Michael, and Taylor Westendorf; Chloe, Samuel, Evan, and Cole Buffington; Clara and Emmalyn Hibbard; and Lane Brown. He also cherished time with his two brothers, John (Carole) Hibbard of Andover, Minnesota, and David Hibbard of Booneville, Iowa; brother-in-law Harley (Lin) Thornton and sister-in-law Donna (Carl) Gahwiler, eighteen nieces and nephews, and his wonderful friends.
Phil shared his unwavering faith in God as an active member and devoted servant of Redeemer Lutheran Church in Waverly. Phil also was involved with numerous fraternal and professional organizations. Phil treasured his international adventures with Margery by his side. He enjoyed working outdoors, woodworking, and house projects.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, July 29, 2015, at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Waverly. Visitation will be held on Tuesday from 4 to 7 p.m. at Kaiser-Corson Funeral Home in Waverly. A private family burial will follow at a later date. Memorials may be directed to the ALS Association of Iowa or Cedar Valley Hospice. Online condolences may be left at the Kaiser-Corson Funeral Home website. Kaiser-Corson Funeral Home in Waverly is in charge of arrangements, (319) 352-1187.
Copyright Waterloo Courier on-line edition; downloaded July 27, 2015.