Leroy J. Kibler, 96, of Minerva, passed away Saturday, Sept. 27, 2025, in St. Luke Lutheran Community in Minerva.

He was born Dec. 9, 1928, in Bayard to Theodore and Lillian (Crowl) Kibler. 

He retired from Yellow Freight, where he was a truck driver for 23 years. He was also a former plasterer. He was a member of Faith Fellowship Church and a 55-year member of Augusta Lodge 504 F&AM, 32nd Degree Scottish Rite, Valley of Canton, Bayard Grange and the NRA. He graduated from Minerva High School in 1946.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Doris (Spall) (Anderson) Kibler, who died in 1981; his longtime companion, Mary Beth Iden, who died in 2021; a son, Samuel Kibler; two stepsons, John and Michael Anderson; and a sister, Ruby Sanor.

He is survived by three daughters, Amanda (Jeff) Bednar of Massillon, Jenny (Tom) Lupton of Oriental, NC, and Barbara Kibler of Alliance; two daughters-in-law, Lisa (Steven) Baker of Minerva and Cheryl Smith of Alliance; two sisters, Kathryn Williamson of Lisbon and Judy (Harold) Davis of Minerva; a brother, Bobby (Debbie) Kibler of Evington, VA; three grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; a great-great-granddaughter; and also his second family from Mary Beth of three children, five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren whom he loved very much.

Funeral services will be Saturday, Oct. 4, at noon in the Gotschall-Hutchison Funeral Home in Minerva with Steven Baker officiating. Masonic services will be held at 11:45 a.m. Saturday prior to services. 

Burial will be in Moultrie Chapel Cemetery. 

Calling hours will be two hours prior to services, from 10 a.m. to noon at the funeral home. 

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society or Aultman Hospice. 

Those wishing to send condolences may sign the online register at www.gotschallfuneralhome.com.