Kenneth Lamar Kibler Sr.

Kenneth Lamar Kibler Sr., 94 of Hunker died Friday August 25, 2023 in his home surrounded by love. He was born January 31, 1929 in Williamsport, to the late Jordan Emory Kibler and Mabel Arcotta (Hoff) Bennett. Kenneth was a man with great determination throughout his entire life and on his sixteenth birthday in 1945, he enlisted for World War II. This single decision at his tender age, laid the foundation for Ken’s lifelong decorated military career, spanning over three wars, and life philosophy of duty, honor, and country.  He was a proud U.S. Army and Air Force Veteran serving overseas three times Japan/Philippines, Korea, and Vietnam. By the age of 24, he earned rank of Master Sergeant and was called “Boy Sergeant”, referencing his young age. Ken took an early retirement from the U.S. Army in 1954 after serving in WWII and the Korean War to enlist in the U.S. Air Force where he served in the Vietnam War and retired from active duty in 1967. He embarked on a 17-year civilian journey where he worked for Beckwith Machinery Company, Komatsu American Corp, and was an instructor for the U.S. Army Ordinance Center and School at Aberdeen Proving Ground in Maryland and technical advisor to the Non-Commissioned Officer Academy.  He was named Civilian Instructor of the Year in 1983.  During Ken’s extensive military career he was awarded the following honors: a Good Conduct Medal with two loops; an Occupational Medal –Japan; a World War II Victory Medal; National Defense Service Medal with six battle stars and one arrowhead for assault landings; Korean Presidential Unit Citation; U.S. Naval Presidential Unit Citation with one star; a Meritorious Unit Commendation; a Vietnam Service Medal; a United Nations Service Medal; a United Nations Medal; an Air Force Longevity Service Award Ribbon; and a Republic of Vietnam Campaign Ribbon. He remained active in many Veterans and community organizations including The Air Force Association Chapter 388; The Retired Enlisted Association (TREA); Scottish Rite; Knights Templar Free Mason from Masonic Lodge 562; Syria Shriners (50 years) and was a member of Harrold Zion Lutheran Church.  Ken also held an Economics Degree from the University of Pittsburgh.  A true patriot and protector, Kenneth walked through life with a song in his heart, woke up with a smile on his face, and was a child of God.  He embraced all cultures throughout his travels, spoke fluent Japanese, and loved gospel, country, and polka music.  Kenneth was a humanitarian and will forever be remembered for his fierce loyalty to his country, his community, and most of all his family. His daily presence will be missed so deeply by his children Robin Snyder (Rick), Kenneth Kibler Jr. (Gail Pace), Karen Busch (William), Katherine Dini, Paul Kibler (Kathleen), and Meridith Kibler (Drew Stadler); 19 grandchildren; 26 great-grandchildren; and brother Robert Kibler.  In addition to his parents, he was greeted in heaven by his beloved wife of 64 years Patricia Louise (Fisher) Kibler, sister Florence Mackie, and his two grandsons Ryan Snyder and Ian Busch.  Please join us for a visitation on Thursday August 31, 2023 from 4 p.m. until time of service at 7 p.m. at ASHLEY D. X. NYE CREMATION CARE & FUNERAL HOME INC. 408 Depot St. Youngwood, PA 15697 with Pastor Andrew Fitch presiding. Mason Services at 6:15 p.m. and Military honors at 6:30 p.m. To leave an online condolence or share a memory of Kenneth please visit www.nyefuneralhome.com.  In lieu of flowers please donate to Shriner’s Hospital for Children.

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