William Kibler

William L. “Bill” Kibler MARION-William L. “Bill” Kibler, 80, of Marion passed away at 7:15 PM, Tuesday, October 12, 2010 at Heartland Regional Medical Center. Funeral services will be held Sunday, October 17, 2010 at 1:30 PM at Blue Funeral Home in Marion with Dr. Bob Dickerson and his son Keith Kibler officiating. Visitation will be held from 11:00 AM until the time of the funeral at 1:30 PM on the same day. Military Rites will be conducted at the cemetery with VFW Post 1301, American Legion Post 147 and the National Guard in attendance. Donations may be made to the Unit #2 Foundation; envelopes are available at the funeral home or may be sent c/o Blue Funeral Home, PO Box 411, Marion, IL, 62959. Bill was born in Harrisburg, IL, to Harrison & Luetta (Mick) Kibler on January 20, 1930. He graduated from Harrisburg High School where he was active in all sports. He attended SIUC before entering the United States Air Force where he was trained as a communication specialist. He spent three years in Germany intercepting Russian codes during the Korean War and attained the rank of Tech Sergeant. After his discharge, Bill returned to Southern Illinois where he married Janet Cook of Harrisburg. Together they had three children. He later married Jessie Murphy in March of 1989. They made their home in Marion and were blessed with 21 years of happiness. Survivors include his wife; son & daughter-in-law, Keith & Sandy Kibler; daughter, Kathi Kibler, all of Marion; step-children, Mike & Angela Murphy of Herrin and David & Donna Murphy of Franklin, TN; grandchildren, Chelsea & Johann Tang of Seattle, WA, Jonathan & Amanda Kibler and Alexandra Kibler all of Marion; step-grandchildren, Jesse, Johnny & Nick Murphy of Franklin, TN, SIUC student Gavin Murphy and Natalie Murphy of Herrin; two sisters, Betty Thomas and Olive Pavelonis of Harrisburg, IL; several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Kandi Kibler; brother, Wyndell Kibler; sisters, Audrey Kibler, Lavern Cooper, Wanda Davidson, Lenore Hicks and Ruth Bennett. Bill was instrumental in developing Southern Illinois Power Co Op at Lake of Egypt. He then began his employment with Western Fuels Power Company and their mine operation in Galatia, IL. He was also an independent business man owning and operating his own coal business. He was a member of the First Baptist Church in Marion where he had taught Sunday school and served on various committees. Bill was a member of the Marion School Board and was an active booster of Marion sports and a little league coach.