Bob Kibler

Who is this man, Bob Kibler who we knew and loved for 64 years? He was a visionary and a dreamer on the relentless pursuit of life. Bob Kibler lived an epic existence and took life by storm. World traveler, brilliant mind, rancher, musician, gardener, cook and a great man with a big loving heart who made his mark on this world. He was the leader of the pack and his whole family counted on him to help to guide them through any troubled waters.

He was a man of mystery and intrigue and it wouldn't shock you when he showed up with pictures with the likes of Ted Cruz, Rick Perry, Greg Abbott, Hillary Clinton… that's what we came to expect from Bob Kibler. He was a man that loved his wife, his family and his five dogs to the core of his soul. He had a true longing to be a rancher with his 50 longhorns in tow as well as Olive Farm, "Cottonwood Olive Oil and Spice Exchange." The whole family stood beside him to help with this dream. Bob was multi-dimensional and he experienced life on so many different levels. More levels than most of us even realize existed.

Bob lived in Big Spring from 1962-1966 while his father was stationed at Webb AFB. Bob then moved with the family to Japan and attended Johnson High School graduating in 1969. He moved back to Texas, graduating from Incarnate Word College in San Antonio. Bob's career span more than 40 years in the analytical instrument industry including sales, marketing, product development, design, manufacturing and leadership. He most recently served as CEO of 1st Detect Corp., a unit of Astrotech. He is the founder of The Gulf Coast Conference, and assisted in numerous federal projects with such entities as the EPA, NASA, Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission, Texas Air Control Board, Los Alamos and Sandia Laboratories, as well as various State County and City Forensics Labs.

He is survived by his wife LaDonna; daughter, Shannon Lombardo and husband, Rosario; sons, Adam and wife, Jen, Ryan and wife Rene, five grandchildren. Also, parents, Col. (ret) Ronald F. and Chic Kibler. Sister, Debi Cellmer, and husband, Milton; brother, Ronald F. Kibler Jr. and wife, Kim, nieces and nephews and special friends, David and Madonna Tondre.