Richard Arthur Van Bibber, Major Usaf (Ret.)

Richard Van Bibber, loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, entered into eternal rest on the morning of Wednesday, September 6, 2017. He was 86 years old.

Richard Van Bibber, Major USAF (Ret.) was born on December 1, 1930 in Rutland, Vermont, the youngest of seven children to the late Phillip and Edna Mae Van Bibber. A proud Vietnam Veteran, Dick served his country as a fighter pilot in the United States Air Force. His whole family was flight-minded as his brothers were pilots and his sisters were stewardesses. Dick flew 210 missions in Vietnam in the F-4 Phantom and received the Distinguishing Flying Cross. He was highly decorated during his military career and received many awards with several oak leaf clusters.

Following his 22-year military career, Dick earned an MBA from Columbus College and became a much-loved professor with Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach, Florida. He loved teaching aeronautical courses to his young, eager flying students who became military and professional airline pilots upon graduation.

Dick had a great sense of humor and was often chosen as Morale Officer. He was also elected Teacher of the Year twice at ERAU. He was a member of Bonaire United Methodist and sang in the choir. Dick leaves behind many friends there. He also volunteered at the Museum of Aviation 12 years, teaching kids to fly in the simulators and firing rockets. Dick loved kids and was loved by his children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sons, Keith Van Bibber and Oren E. Lee.

Richard’s memory will forever be treasured by his loving wife of 41 years, Mavis Beecher Van Bibber of Warner Robins; children, Mark Van Bibber (Ginger) of Connellsville, Pennsylvania, Bruce Van Bibber (Marsha) of Warner Robins, Eric Van Bibber (Misty) of Columbus, and Melody Dianne King (James) of Brunswick; 25 grandchildren and great-grandchildren; sister, Carol Andlauer of Big Fork, Montana; and daughters-in-law, Teresa Van Bibber and Erin Lee.

A memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 9th in the chapel of McCullough Funeral Home. Mr. Van Bibber will be laid to rest in Douglas Cemetery in Douglas, Georgia at a later date.

The family will accept flowers or donations may be given to the USO at www.uso.org/donate or to the Humane Society of Houston County, Inc., P.O. Box 9588, Warner Robins, GA 31095.

McCullough Funeral Home and Crematory has the privilege of being entrusted with Mr. Van Bibber’s arrangements.