Robert L. Tibbitts

ST. JOSEPH – Robert L. Tibbitts, Sr., 86, of St. Joseph, passed away on Monday, January 22, 2007, at home. A Memorial Mass will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, January 25, at St. John’s Catholic Church, Benton Harbor, with Father Bill Jacobs officiating. Friends may visit with the family on Wednesday from 5 to 8 p.m. at Kerley-Starks & Menchinger Family Funeral Home, St. Joseph, where the Rosary will be recited at 7:30 p.m. Per his wishes, cremation has taken place. Interment will be held in Calvary Cemetery at a later date. Robert was born on February 8, 1920, in Benton Harbor, to Charles P. and Maude (Pering) Tibbitts. He graduated from Benton Harbor High School in 1938 where he was actively involved in the marching band. He then entered the Army-Air Corps. He spent four years in the service, three of which were spent in the South Pacific area. He held the rating of Technical Sergeant. His decorations included the Air Medal and Purple Heart for injuries received after his B-24 was shot down over the ocean. He was honorably discharged in 1945. In June of 1947, Robert married Jeanne Mary Vogel, a local elementary school teacher. Together, they had three children, who survive. She preceded him in death in 1993. He was an owner and salesman of Lakeland Mill Supply with his brother, Charles W. Tibbitts. He was actively involved in Rotary International and the Knights of Columbus. He twice served as Grand Knight and was also honored as Knight of the Year. He was a long-time member of Berrien Hills Country Club, the Over-the-Hill Gang, the Heritage Society, and the Benton Harbor High School Class of 1938 Reunion Committee. He enjoyed golfing, tennis, fishing, and spending time with his family. He is survived by his wife of 11 years, Ann Newhouse Bush Tibbitts of St. Joseph; three children, Beth (Jim) Bentham of St. Joseph, Robert L. “B.J.” (Bonnie) Tibbitts Jr. of St. Joseph, and Jennifer (John R.) LeFevre of Haslett, Mich.; his stepchildren, Crag (Carolyn) Bush of Grand Rapids, Mich., and Michelle (Robert) Robinson of Houston, Tex.; his grandchildren, Justin and Carrie-Ann Bentham, Robert L. III and Avery Tibbitts, Nichole and Michelle LeFevre; several nieces and nephews; his step-grandchildren, Bob, Scott, and Brock Robinson, Michelle Good, Cindy Stauffer, and Chad and Curt Bush; and three step-great-grandchildren. In addition to his first wife, Robert was preceded in death by his parents, Charles P. and Maude Tibbitts; and his brother, Charles W. Tibbitts. Memorial donations may be made to the Humane Society of SW Michigan or Berrien County Cancer Service.