Obituary
Guest Book
John McKibben, 90, of Commerce passed away in Plano on Thursday afternoon January 1, 2026. He was born in Canton, TX on February 28, 1935, to Floy (Stack) McKibben and Glen McKibben. John was a jack of all trades; he had worked at UTD as a maintenance engineer and also many years with Kraft foods. He was also a mechanic, a painter and a home builder. If John needed a special tool, he would just make him one.
John accomplished so much with only an 8th grade education. He had to quit school and work to help support the family, back then that’s what you did. He was old school and knew what hard times were.
John is survived by his daughter Joy & son in law Tim Nieman of Frisco, granddaughter Jenny & husband Robert Forsyth of Krum, Tx, grandson Brandon McKibben and wife Tanya of Princeton, Tx, great grandchildren: Kassi Forsyth, Jax Forsyth & wife Sophi, Dante McKibben, Danika McKibben; great great grandchildren: Blake Forsyth and Ronan Forsyth.
John was preceded in death by his wife Jo Frances McKibben and his son Jerry Lee McKibben.
Visitation will be held Tuesday January 6, 2026, from 1:00 P.M. until 2:00 P.M. with a funeral service following at 2:00 P.M. both held at Fairlie Baptist Church. Burial will follow the service at Sonora Cemetery.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
1209 Live Oak Street, Commerce, TX 75428

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read moreIf you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more