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Lt. Col. Paul E. Hibberd, USAF Ret. Father, Pharmacist, Philosopher Lt. Col. Paul E. Hibberd, USAF ret. joined his beloved wife of 52 years, Ida, on Friday February 3, 2012, surrounded by their children. He was born on May 3, 1918, in Kearney, Nebraska to William Eric and Minnie Gould Hibberd. Paul "Papa" cherished father, beloved grandfather, and adored great-grandfather will be remembered for his quick wit and unique sense of humor. He was a loyal friend and advisor to many employees, acquaintances and family members. Paul never met a stranger, had a big, happy smile for all, and everyday was enthusiastic about living life to the fullest. His passion for learning lasted his entire life, and he encouraged all to reach their potential and succeed. He had hundreds of sayings that will be remembered by family and friends including: "The more you learn, the more you earn," "Plan your work and work your plan," and "Cooperate and graduate." Papa had a deep, unconditional love for his family and was extremely proud and supportive of every one of their accomplishments. The cherished moments from family parties to Sunday lunches will never be forgotten. Lt. Col. Hibberd was selected as the first Pharmacy Consultant to the United States Air Force's Surgeon General and the Associate Corps Chief for Pharmacy, Biomedical Sciences Corps serving from 1965 to 1969. His service was highlighted by a long career in pharmacy where he excelled in organizing and administering hospital pharmacies including Wilford Hall Hospital- the largest hospital pharmacy in the Air Force at that time, with 1000 beds. In 1966, he was selected as the Outstanding USAF Pharmacist and was the recipient of the Association of Military Surgeons Of the United States Andrew Craigie Award. Throughout his career, he authored several publications and often spoke as an invited guest lecturer on improving the efficiency of hospital pharmacies. Lt. Colonel Hibberd's journey to become Chief of pharmacy was not easy. As a child of the Great Depression, he began working at the age of nine, forgoing usual childhood sports and activities to support his family. Paul put himself through Kearney State College while in the Army Reserves, and was called into the military during World War II. He held various military positions including Flight Control Officer and Chief Supply Officer and received his pilots training. Afterwards he taught physics, coached basketball and served as Superintendent of Schools in Shickley, Nebraska. He was able to pursue a degree in pharmacy from the University of Houston using the GI Bill. After graduating from pharmacy school in 1950, he was recalled to active duty in the Air Force during the Berlin Air Lift. He retired from the Air Force in 1970. During his career he received the American Defense Service Medal, the World War II Victory Medal and the National Defense Service Medal. While in the Air Force he was a member of Dr. Kenneth Coopers pioneer aerobics program, which fostered his life long passion for exercise, jogging until his 70's. His next career was at the San Antonio State Mental Hospital as Assistant Chief of Pharmacy and then at the San Antonio Chest Hospital for a total of 20 years. He also worked in many local pharmacies including Zipp's, Hill's, and Net Care Pharmacies. He was proud of the fact that he worked as a pharmacist until he was 85. In addition to many professional organizations, he was active in Central Catholic's Fathers Club, the St. Mary's University Booster Club, and was a member of St. Gregory's Catholic Church. Later, he was a founding member of St. Mathew's Catholic Church where he was in the Men's Club and the VIP Club. He often walked from his home to the church to be sure he claimed his spot in the front pew. He was preceded in death by his beloved and supportive wife, Ida, his brother, Richard W. Hibberd and his sister Mary Evelyn Kottas. He is survived by his sister Rita Eleanor Butler, his children Anna Marie Meyer Buddy, Dr. Alan E. Hibberd Tracy, Terri Curtis, and Joni Hibberd Rod Romero; grandchildren, Suzanne Meyer, Dr. Mary Harr Brian, Dr. Jennifer Meyer Bankler Scott, Bubba Meyer Vanessa, Emily Hibberd Galvan Chris, Nathan Hibberd Mary Lynn, John and Katie Curtis, and Nina Sciaraffa; step grandchildren; Misty Lopez Luis, Rachel and Zak Ftaiti; great grandchildren, Cal, Carly and Amelia Harr, Benjamin and William Bankler, Grayson, Dillon and Chase Meyer, Alexander Hibberd, and a new Hibberd due in May; and step great-grandchildren Sophia and Lily Lopez. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews in Nebraska who in September hosted Rete's 90th birthday party and family reunion. He said the gathering in Lincoln was a highlight of this past year. Being so close to his wife's family, the Biels, Paul loved the Spanish culture and became a lifelong student of Spanish. He enjoyed his many visits to Las Cruces and El Paso, even renaming himself, "Pablo". Finally, Papa was extremely blessed to have two wonderful caregivers, Tina Carrillo and Luis Cantu, who appreciated him and took care of him with love and devotion. Services Visitation will be on Friday, Feb. 10, from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. at Mission Park Funeral Chapels North. Services will be at St. Gregory the Great Catholic Church on Saturday morning, February 11. The Rosary will begin at 8:30 a.m. and Mass immediately after at 9:00 a.m. Internment will follow at Mission Burial Park North Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation, National Processing Center, Attn: Honor and Memorial Gifts, P.O. Box 1245, Albert Lea, MN 56007-9976.

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Paul Eric Hibberd

May 3, 1918 - February 3, 2012