Paul Tibbs, 77, of LaPorte, died Wednesday, July 9, 2014, at IU Health LaPorte Hospital.
He was born Feb. 10, 1937, in LaPorte to Jesse and Dorothy Josephine (Day) Tibbs.
Paul retired from the United States Army after serving honorably from 1954-1975. He served throughout Europe and Asia and all across the United States. Upon returning to LaPorte in 1974, he became a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church, where he served faithfully for many years as an elder and always enjoyed helping with the fish fry dinners. Following his service as an elder, he continued to serve through visitation with members and shut-ins.
On Jan. 7, 1957, in Mannheim, Germany, he married Lilly Hacker, who preceded him in death Dec. 13, 2012.
He was also preceded in death by his parents and a granddaughter, Maggie Tibbs.
He is survived by five children, Frank (Afsaneh) Tibbs of Vienna, VA, Bettina (Eddie) Leslie of Gatesville, TX, Jesse Tibbs of LaPorte, Andrew (Teresa) Tibbs of Atlanta, GA, and Patrick (Shellie) Tibbs of Middlebury, IN; 10 grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and two siblings, Gene (Donna) Tibbs and Bonnie (Frank) Wilhelm.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held at St. John’s Lutheran Church, LaPorte, on Thursday, July 17, at 10 a.m. with Pastor Ronald Brauer officiating. A graveside service will be held Friday, July 18, at 11 a.m. in Marion National Cemetery, Marion, IN. Visitation will be at Cutler Funeral Home and Cremation Center, LaPorte, on Wednesday, July 16, from 5 to 8 p.m. and on Thursday from 9 a.m. until the procession to the church.
Memorial contributions may be directed to The Salvation Army of LaPorte, 3240 Monroe St., LaPorte, IN 46350.
Messages of condolence may be posted below on WNLP, as well as at www.cutlerfuneralhome.com.