Claude W. Hibbs

Claude W. Hibbs, age 70, of Manhattan, Kansas, died Tuesday April 27, 2021 at the Ascension Via Christi Village in Manhattan.

He was born on October 19, 1950 in Sharon Springs, Kansas, the son of James and Thelma Hibbs, he was the oldest of their three children.

Claude was married and later divorced to Jerry Hedge, to this union was born one son, Jason. Later he married Sallie Hibbs on November 30, 1977. To this union was born one son, Austin.

He is survived by his wife Sallie, of the home; his son Jason (Jamie) Hibbs, of Winfield, Kansas, and his son Austin Hibbs, of Manhattan; also, his two sisters, Donna Vincent, of Mounds, Oklahoma and Teresa Maley, of Quinter, Kansas; his grandchildren: Malia Hibbs, Keira Hibbs, Shawn Hibbs, Sarah McKinney, and Norie Hibbs; his nieces, Erin Maley and Hannah Garrett, and his nephews Zachary Vincent, Matthew Vincent, Daniel Vincent, and Travis Maley.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Claude attended school in Morland, Kansas, where he graduated in 1968, from his big class of 15 students. Prior to attending college, he worked for the Union Pacific Railroad. He then attended Fort Hays State College and Goodland Vocational College, where he earned his degree in telephone communications.

He began working for the United Telephone System in Junction City, Kansas in 1972. He continued to work for the telephone company in Hiawatha, Kansas and in Junction City. He worked mainly in the same building for 44 years and retired in 2014.
Claude had a great wit and loved to share new jokes or funny stories with his sons and grandkids. He also enjoyed riding his Harley Davidson Motorcycle and making beer and wine.

He will be missed by all who knew and loved him.

As per his wish Claude’s body was cremated.

A gathering for his family and friends will be held on Saturday June 5, 2021 from 2:00 until 4:00 p.m. at the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home in Manhattan.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions in memory of Claude to the Alzheimer Association or the Ascension Via Christi Village. Contributions may be left in care of the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home, 1616 Poyntz Avenue, Manhattan, Kansas 66502.