Richard Dean Kibler, 94, of Greenville, and formerly of Irving, died on Nov. 4, 2026, at Litchfield Health and Rehab Center in Litchfield.
A celebration of life will be held on Friday, Nov. 20, at Hough-Dean Funeral Home in Hillsboro, from 10 a.m. to noon. Military honors will be accorded at Camp Butler National Cemetery at 2 p.m.
Mr. Kibler was born on April 9, 1932, to Perry and Evelyn (Newlin) Kibler in Newton.
He grew up on the family farm, farming with horses in earlier years; he always held a fond place in his heart for the family farm. He graduated from Newton High School and continued farming until he embarked on a career with the United States Air Force. He proudly served his country for 26 years before his retirement in 1978. He then enjoyed keeping busy by working jobs at Rural King and Tractor Supply; building and running a storage unit; woodworking and building patio furniture to sell at craft fairs; planting his garden, working in the yard, mowing the lawn and being a ‘garage piddler’; and having a great time dancing the night away.
Mr. Kibler dearly loved to travel. He spent six months traveling the contiguous United States, visiting all 48 states. When he married Peggy (Sallee) Kibler in 2019, they traveled to Hawaii for their honeymoon. In 2023, the couple traveled to Alaska, which completed his dream of visiting all 50 states.
He was a member of the Masons for over 50 years. He belonged to Mt. Moriah Masonic Lodge #51 in Hillsboro, achieving the rank of Master Mason. He was a man who genuinely loved people. He will be fondly remembered by all who had the good fortune of knowing him.
In addition to his wife, Peggy, Mr. Kibler is survived by his daughter, Susan Stevens of Alabama; numerous grandchildren; and great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents; two sons, infant James Kibler and David Kibler; and his brothers, Rex Kibler, Sr. and Larry Kibler.
Memorials may be directed to Mt. Moriah Lodge #51, 903 S. Main St., Hillsboro, IL, 62049.
Please visit www.houghdeanfh.com to share condolences with the family.
