Michael McKibben

If you wanted to know anything about coins, trains, backroads, or any home improvement, my dad was the one to go to. He was always helping a neighbor and was always willing to go the extra mile for anyone. Michael Alan McKibben was born on August 29, 1947 to Jack and Minnie McKibben, in Millington, Tennessee. He was married to his loving wife, Barbara, for 50 years. The two found joy in taking long drives, taking evening strolls, and enjoying their house in Englewood, Florida, where they retired. They were fortunate to find a neighborhood where they fit right in, and by that, I mean, helping neighbors move, house sitting, pool maintenance, and taking care of the community pond. My dad would often be seen kayaking to the fountain where he would make sure it was working properly.

Mike may have dreamed of having a boy but was given three daughters instead, Shannon Ceccoli, Dawn Heapy, and Joy Cross. We tried our best to learn about changing oil, peeling logs for the cabin, learning to run a chainsaw, and entertaining ourselves in the Game Creek Valley. We learned to love NASCAR, Football and onion dip. He instilled in us, hard work, and a commitment to a job well done. He has helped all of us move cross country and follow our crazy dreams, supporting us the whole way. He had a great relationship with his two sons in law also, Nathan Cross and Steve Heapy. You two have been patient and kind to our dad.

Mike was blessed with his first grandson, Michael, and shared his love of trains with him. We have many pictures of them laying a track and watching it for hours. It wasn’t long before more grandbabies came along, Alison, Vinny, Tyler, Faith, Jacob, and Nick. Grandpa Mike was very active when his grandkids came over. You would see him sliding down the home-made slip ‘n slide, riding the lawn mower, and playing in the dirt or snow with them. They were lucky to have him.

Mike, husband, dad, uncle, cousin, and friend. He was generous with his time, willing to help anyone, and was passionate about his hobbies. He was sensitive and wasn’t afraid to cry (which we all inherited). He wanted to build a house; he built several. He wanted to work with trains, so he did. He loved our mom, and loved his three girls, and most of all, loved his grandkids, with a passion. Even though we did not get to say goodbye, we know, for a fact, that we said, “I love you”, when we talked to him last and he said it back. You fought for us every step of the way. Mom will be taken care of because she is surrounded by friends and family. Dad, travel on………..

A Celebration of Life Service will be held on August 10, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. at the family residence.