Ronald Forrest Kibler, Colonel USAF (Ret.) a loving and dedicated husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather passed away on May 27, 2017 in New Braunfels, Texas. He was 83 years old. Colonel Kibler was born in Topeka, Kansas on June 22, 1933 to the late Forrest and Nettie Kibler. He graduated from Topeka High School in 1951 and Washburn University in 1955 with a degree in psychology and an Air Force Commission. He entered active duty in October 1955 in San Antonio, Texas where he met his eventual wife, Ernestine, whom he nicked-named ‘Chic”. They were married in San Antonio on July 9, 1956 and have experienced a wonderful marriage for over 60 years. Colonel Kibler completed multi-engine pilot training in the B-25 at Reese AFB, Texas and after graduation he remained as a B-25 flight instructor. He also eventually served as Base Provost Marshal. Colonel Kibler then served a remote tour with Security Service in Pashawa Pakistan followed by assignment as Security Police Commander at Webb AFB in Big Spring, Texas. He and his family then moved to Yokota Air Base in Japan where he took command of 450 Security personal. This was followed by an assignment to Vietnam where he commanded 540 Security Forces while providing security at Bien Hoa Air Base. He then traveled for 2 ½ years with the Air Force Inspector General inspecting Security at Air Force Bases worldwide. He was then assigned as Security Police Commander at Langley AFB, Virginia and eventually served as Deputy Chief Security Police if Tactical Air Command. Upon being promoted to Colonel he became Group Commander of three squadrons of Security Forces in a Minute Man Missile Wing at Whiteman AFB, Missouri. He was later selected be Headquarters Strategic Air Command to become the Base Commander. Colonel Kibler chose to retire in June 1979. At a retirement parade in his honor, he was presented the General Curtis LaMay Trophy for his Security Police Group being selected as the best Strategic Air Command, and later selected as the large Security Police Unit in the U.S. Air Force. Throughout his military career, Colonel Kibler received many awards and decorations including the Legion of Merit, the Bronze Star Metal, three Meritorious Service Medals, the Air Force Commendation Medal and Joint Service Commendation Medal. Also, the Republic of Vietnam Honors Medal and the Cross of Gallantry with Palm, a Vietnam Service Ribbon with four battle stars and three Air Force Outstanding Unit Awards--- the one from Vietnam with “V” devise for Valor. Following retirement, Colonel Kibler and his wife owned and operated an antique business in New Braunfels, Texas, where he served for ten years as President of the Antique Dealer Association. He and his wife are Life Master Bridge players and during the 1950’s and 1960’s won numerous bridge tournament events including the National Mixed Pairs Championship while in Japan. Colonel Kibler was a Master Mason and a longtime member of Orient Lodge # 51 in Topeka, Kansas. Colonel Kibler was a strong community leader and served as President and Chairman of the Board of Directors, for two Property Owner Associations. He was also a Charter member of the Air Force Security Forces Asociation and a founding member of The River Crossing Club in Spring Branch, Texas. He is preceded in death by his son Bobby Carl Kibler. Colonel Kibler is survived by his wonderful and loving wife Ernestine, a son Ronald Forrest Kibler Jr. and wife Kim Marie of Harlingen and a daughter Debra Cellmer and husband Milton of La Vernia, and special family friends, David Tondre and wife Madonna of Cibolo, Texas. Also, grandchildren, Shannon Lombardo and Husband Rosario of Cedar Park, Texas, Adam Kibler and wife Jen of Houston, Texas, Ryan Kibler and wife Rene, of Cedar Park, Texas, Mitchell Flynn and wife Tracy of California and Kennedy, Kyle and Kole Kibler of Harlingen, Texas and 7 great grandchildren. Also a, sister Nancy Davis and husband Jack of Littleton, Colorado, and two nephews Brad and Chris Davis. Besides family he leaves behind many military and civilian friends.
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