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David M. Tibbitts, Age: 69
Jan 13, 1948 - Sep 28, 2017

David M. Tibbitts, of Junction City, KS, passed away surrounded by family and friends on September 28, 2017, after a short illness. He was 69 years old. David is survived by his wife, Karen (Zoeller) Tibbitts; children, Rachael Hedgcoth (spouse Michael), of Midlothian, TX; Tony Tibbitts (spouse Amy), of Kansas City, MO; Chris Tibbitts of Kansas City, MO; Angie Stafford (spouse John), of Kansas City, MO; as well as six grandchildren: Austin and Evan Hedgcoth, Michael and Chase Hurt, Townsend and Novella Tibbitts. David is also survived by his birth mother Isabelle Edgin and sister MaryAnn Godfrey (spouse Robert), of Shawnee, OK; mother-in-law Mary Zoeller of Manhattan, KS, and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents Ruth and Malcolm Tibbitts of Junction City, KS; sister Margaret Frances (Sissy) Wood of Shawnee, OK; father-in-law Don Zoeller of Manhattan, KS; and nephew Tracey Zoeller of Kansas City, MO.

 

David was a proud member of the Sac and Fox Nation of Stroud, OK. David was born on January 13, 1948 in Kansas City, MO. He spent his childhood in Junction City, KS, and graduated from Junction City High School in 1966. He attended Emporia State University and later moved to Manhattan, KS, where he married his best friend, Karen, on December 18, 1970. They resided in Manhattan where David owned and operated auto body repair business Fleetwood Body Shop.

 

David had a strong love for his children and extended family and enjoyed celebrating holidays, birthdays and any family get-together that included a good meal, chocolate cake and laughter. He was an automotive enthusiast and was passionate about all things motorized including cars and trucks, motorcycles, scooters, ATVs, jet skis and boats, remote control cars, and even golf carts. Other interests included music, traveling, and beloved dogs, Hector, Chico and Sammy. Chances are wherever David was, Hector was close by. Over the years, David and Karen spent time crisscrossing America in a motor home and work camping while Karen did travel nursing assignments. Colorado, Florida, the New England area, the Black Hills of South Dakota and New Orleans were favorite destinations.

 

David will be remembered as a friend to all. He never met a stranger and was as warm and friendly to a banker or lawyer as he was to a homeless person on the street. His storytelling ability and infectious humor will be greatly missed.

 

A celebration of life memorial will be held Saturday, Oct. 21st 1:00 p.m. at First United Methodist Church, 804 N Jefferson St, Junction City, KS 66441. A brief service will be held with lunch served after. All are welcome to attend and celebrate David’s life. In lieu of flowers, please donate to Friends of the Animals c/o Sally Mayes P.O. Box 580, Junction City, KS 66441.
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Condolences

Lee and Cindy Clark Oct 03, 2017

Friend of family since 2006 lee worked for dave on misc things ,Junction city ,Kansas

Arthur & Ruth Thowe Oct 03, 2017

Marylin werring Oct 03, 2017

Coworker of karen ,Manhattan ,Kansas

John P. Janovec & Family Oct 03, 2017

Nancy Edgar Weary Oct 03, 2017

Classmate ,Evergreen ,Colorado

Carolyn Cook Oct 04, 2017

friend ,Junction City ,Kansas

Robin Martino Oct 04, 2017

Jon & Susan Williams Oct 04, 2017

Friend & High School Classmate ,Mount Pleasant ,Texas

Roxie Colbert Pelfrey Oct 04, 2017

Lynnette Jett Oct 04, 2017

Friend/schoolmate ,Junction City ,Kansas

Shannon Henry Oct 04, 2017

John Dabrow Oct 04, 2017

HIgh School Teacher- senior sponsor ,Reno, ,Nevada

Amy McMickle Oct 04, 2017

Jan Bunker Oct 04, 2017

Classmate ,San Pedro ,California

Sandy Hill Oct 05, 2017

Becky Pixler Oct 05, 2017

Friend ,Riley ,Kansas

Julie Wilkins Cooprider Oct 05, 2017

Friend ,McPherson ,Kansas

Toni Wilhoite Oct 05, 2017

Friend ,Manhattan ,Kansas

Helen Zilka Oct 05, 2017

friend ,topeka ,Kansas

Donna Elliott Oct 06, 2017

Co-worker ,Westmoreland ,Kansas

Manda Stuart Oct 06, 2017

Friend (David was my first boyfriend!) ,Northport ,AL

Myriam Soto Grant Oct 07, 2017

Classmate ,Paso Robles ,California

Truly saddened by David's passing. He will be remembered and missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him, as he was a great man. My thoughts and prayers are with the Tibbitts family. Myriam

Sandy Chandler Oct 08, 2017

Friend ,Manhattan ,Kansas

I am so sorry to hear of Dave's passing. It has been a while since I've seen any of you, but have often wondered how everyone was doing. May memories and fun times help you through this difficult time.

Tom & Sherry Willome Oct 12, 2017

Classmate ,Mico ,Texas

Jill Bunker Jaxx Oct 15, 2017

Classmate ,San Pedro ,California

David was a great man. I knew him from the time we were in 2nd or 3rd grade--he was such a charismatic leader always. He starred as Santa Claus in " Merry Christmas, Mr. Snowman", our 3rd grade musical. I remember being astonished at how good he was!! He was such a light and loved his animals so much! And he could not stop talking about his kids and his Karen! I got to spend a little time with him in the 80's, and I met his birds. The were fantastic! We will always love and miss you, David. You were and always will be a special and inspiring presence in our lives. Much love and comfort to your family💖❤️💕

Jeff Loeb Oct 16, 2017

Friend ,New York ,New York

I’m so sorry to hear about our loss of Dave. He was a wonderfully alive person, interested in everything and everyone, with always a kind (and funny) thing to say.

Linda Filby-Fisher Oct 17, 2017

Grew up together ,Overland Park ,Kansas

I've always had a special place in my heart for David and there he will remain----a bright star.

Daphne Ellis Oct 20, 2017

Friend ,Clay Center ,Kansas

So sorry for your lost Karen and family.

Mel (Shreve) hickman Oct 20, 2017

Friend of Karen that worked with her at mercy Manhattan ,Wamego ,Kansas

Karen I’m so very sorry to hear about this, many hugs to you and you are in my thoughts. Love you dear friend.

Sharyn Yenser Strand Oct 21, 2017

High school classmate and friend ,St. Cloud ,Minnesota

Dave was such a great guy. So sad to hear about his passing. Sorry I can't be at his memorial today but he is in my thoughts and prayers.

Heinz and Pam Wallace Oct 27, 2017

our deepest sympathy , Keeping your family in our thoughts and prayers. Heinz and Pam Wallace and family

Margo L Peel Nov 20, 2017

neighbor ,Fayetteville ,North Carolina

Praying for you and your family, Karen. May your heavy hearts be comforted and lifted at this difficult time.

Desiree McCorkle Nov 23, 2017

Childhood friend to Angie ,Manhattan ,Kansas

I just saw this and it breaks my heart. I'm so sorry for your loss, he was always a great man and father! The family is in my thoughts and prayers. 💙