Howard A. Sibley

Howard A. Sibley, age 104, passed away peacefully on Sunday, May 11, 2025, wrapped in the love of so many who visited, called and sent notes these past few months.

Howard was born on February 21, 1921, in a log home on the family farm that would eventually become his—the same land where his cattle would run, his pigs would feed and his crops would grow.  He was the ninth child of Robert and Ada (Gourley) Sibley and the cherished youngest member of the family.  

Howard served his country in the U.S. Navy and enlisted in 1942 during WW II and was honorably discharged in 1945.  He married his childhood sweetheart, Wilma (Elledge) Sibley, on November 16, 1944, when the two happily snuck away to Kampsville and eloped on Howard’s leave from the Navy.  This quiet, humble wedding was the beginning of a marriage that lasted 65 years—a marriage of friendship, sacrifice and faithfulness.  

That marriage produced two children, Paul Dean (Susie) Sibley and Peggy (Tracey) Conkright.  Howard was also blessed with six grandchildren: Shane (Lori) Sibley, Stacy (Frank) Godar, Chris (Cory) Akers, Lance (Brianna) Sibley, Jennifer (Ben) Tarmann, Jill (Chase) Schroeder and one bonus granddaughter, Mindy Sibley.  Howard had 17 great-grandchildren and 6 great-great grandchildren.  He also loved his many nieces and nephews. 

Howard was preceded in death by his wife, Wilma, his parents, his brothers and sisters and his son-in-law, Roger Akers.

Howard believed that God always keeps His promises and was a faithful student of Scripture all his adult life.  He and Wilma were steadfast members of Farmer’s Ridge church of Christ in rural Calhoun County where Howard taught Bible class and led singing in worship for over 50 years.  His godly wisdom spilled out in the quiet way he set an example for those around him to live righteously and humbly before God.

He was a man who loved hard work.  From building his own home as a young man to trimming trees and fixing roofs at nearly 100 years old, Howard refused to give up when there was a job to be done.  He wanted nothing more than to serve others and make life a little easier for the people around him.

The world is better for having had Howard Sibley in it.  Whether you called him Dad, Grandpa, Uncle, Brother-in-Christ or Friend, his life made a difference.  He showed honesty, truth, determination and faithfulness in all he did.  We will never be the same without him, but we are all better for having known him.

Services will be held Thursday May 15, 2025, at 10:30AM at the Niebur Funeral Home in Pittsfield, IL.  Intermet will follow at the Nebo Cemetery.  Visitation is from 9:00AM-10:30AM prior to the service.  Memorials are suggested to be made to the Pike County Shriner’s, Blessing Hospice or donor’s choice.  Online condolences may be left to the family at www.nieburfh.com.  Niebur Funeral Home is handling the arrangements. 

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