Joe Pete Bibich |
| Posted 2009-04-30 by Kingman Daily Miner |
| Joe Pete Bibich was born in Clinton, Indiana, on Feb. 29, 1948, leap year. Because of this he was convinced he was only 15 years old. Those who knew him well believed that he was right. Joe was one of five children born to George and Eva Mae Bibich; Larry, Kikki, Jane and Bobby. George was the school superintendent and Eva Mae was a teacher. He graduated from Dyer Central High School in 1966 and attended the University of Tampa. In January of 1969, Joe volunteered to serve his country by enlisting for the United States Marine Corps. Following his completion of training, he deployed to Vietnam. He was assigned to the USMC 2nd Division, 5th Regiment, Fox Company "FOX 2/5." Joe was awarded not one but two Purple Hearts in addition to the Bronze Star with a V for Valor. The time spent in his beloved Corps was a major influence to his personality and his life. His passion for all Brave Heroes had bloomed and it would never ever falter. Upon his honorable discharge from the Marine Corps, Joe attended Purdue University on a golf scholarship, married his first wife Judy, and fathered his first two children, Jackie and Jay Bibich. His courage and bravery blended with his pride as a father and again his bigger than life personality gained strength. Joe came to Kingman in 1976 and took over as the Relay Manager for Roadway Express. Kingman must have been Heaven on earth for Joe, working with truck drivers, hunting, fishing, golf, softball and a list of others endeavors. With amazing speed, Joe knew everyone. "Bigger Than Life" had arrived in Kingman. 1979 came, and Joe found Pam. The first time he saw Pam he told his friend Ron, "I'm going to marry that girl." He did. Joe inherited and happily accepted and loved her two sons, Paul and Shawn Clark. Joe and Pam then brought Ryan "Bug" Bibich into the world. Joe again volunteered himself in service of his country by joining the USMC Reserve. Joe was an unbelievable grandfather and was affectionately known as "Grampy." Brandon and Lauren Clark, Andrew and Amy Arlen, Rebecca, Jillian, Melanie Loslo make up the list of his seven beloved grandchildren. Two graduations, a bundle of elections and a few tragedies later, Joe was able to retire, at least from Roadway (after 31 years). After retirement, he created Tri City Services. Joe dedicated himself to his community, again, as a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Marine Corps League, Fox 2/5 Association, Vietnam Veterans of America, Military Family Relief Fund (chairman), Arizona Veterans Task Force, Military Order of the Purple Heart, Mohave County Planning and Zoning Commission, the Merit Commission, Public Land Use Commission, Parks and Recreation Commission, Elks, and many, many others. He always made time for everyone and always left everyone laughing and smiling. The world was definitely a brighter place with Joe in it. Joe passed while he was doing what he loved and had a true passion for, fishing. His service will be at 1 p.m. on Saturday, May 2, 2009, at the Kingman High School Auditorium located at 4182 Bank St. in Kingman. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the local Vietnam Veterans of America chapter at P.O. Box 184, Kingman, AZ 86402. The phone number for the VVA is (928) 263-1810. Published in The Kingman Daily Miner Monday, April 27, 2009. |
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