Glidden Neil Libby

1940 - 2024

Glidden Neil Libby

August 10, 1940 - August 25, 2024

NEW BRAUNFELS, TX - Glidden Neil Libby, a devoted and loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, died August 25, 2024, at his home in New Braunfels, Texas. He was 84.

To his colleagues, friends, and family, he was "Colonel Libby," "Dr. Libby," "Neil," or "Pops," but never "Glidden." He left behind a legacy of Pops-isms, memorably: "You're not dealing with an amateur," or (when gloating during a round of poker with the grandkids), "When you're hot, you're hot; when you're not, you're not!" He will be remembered for his quick wit, generous spirit, and unwavering commitment to those he loved.

Dr. Libby was born in Madison, Wisc., on August 10, 1940. In kindergarten, he met a bright little girl, Ruth Ann Robinson, who would be his bride for 62 years and who he would come to call, "Pie," short for "Sweetie Pie." Together, they set the example for a loving marriage of mutual respect, sweetened with good humor.

Following graduation from Evansville (WI) High School, he earned a bachelor's degree in pharmacy from the University of Wisconsin and a Master of Science from the University of Iowa. He returned to the University of Wisconsin to attain a Doctorate of Philosophy in pharmaceutical sciences. Dr. Libby served for 23 years in the U.S. Army and retired as a lieutenant colonel in 1986 to embark upon a career with the Texas Department of Health and Human Services. Twenty years later, he retired again and co-founded Libby & Libby Consulting LLP with Ruth, providing drug regimen reviews and consulting to nursing homes throughout South Texas. He finally settled into a well-earned third retirement, during which he enjoyed reading crime novels, travel, and spending time with his family.

A longtime hunter and fisherman, he spent many Memorial Day holidays fishing in Ontario, Canada. He did not need his cold-weather gear for the happy times he spent with Ruth and extended family at the couple's beach house in Port Aransas, TX, which was destroyed by Hurricane Harvey in 2017, exactly seven years prior to his death. He was a student of history and had a special interest in the Civil War, WWII, and American Impressionists, particularly Theodore Robinson, a relation on Ruth's side of the family. His eclectic travels took him throughout the U.S., Mexico, Central America, Europe, and Asia. He especially loved planning trips with Ruth and traveling with family. Stateside estate sales and overseas flea markets feared his savvy negotiation skills.

Dr. Libby is survived by his loving wife, Ruth Robinson Libby; children: Kristen Klein (John), Jennifer Vasquez, and Jason Libby (Leanne); grandchildren: John Klein (Nicole), Neil Klein, Matthew Klein, Richard Vasquez (Rebecca), Jason Vasquez (Nicole), Joshua Vasquez (Sydney), Margaret Libby, and Theodore Libby; great-grandchildren: Addison Klein, Karson Klein, Johnathan Vasquez, and Landon Vasquez; sisters-in-law: Kathryn Robinson and Barbara Lawrenz of Evansville, Wisc.; and five nieces.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Dr. Ore Glidden Libby and Mary Elizabeth Libby; his brother, Bradford Libby; his sister-in-law, Helen Libby; and his great-nephew, Philip Johnson.

The family will hold a Celebration of Life for family and friends at the family home from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m., Monday, September 23, 2024. Military funeral honors are scheduled for 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, September 24, 2024, at Ft. Sam Houston National Cemetery, 1520 Harry Wurzbach Road, San Antonio, TX, Committal Shelter 1.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Headwaters at the Comal or the New Braunfels Public Library Foundation.