Don V Tibbs

Don V. Tibbs

Manti, Utah

Our beloved father, Judge Don Vaughn Tibbs Jr, returned to his Savior on November 20, 2016 in Payson, Utah. He was born November 14, 1924 at Manti, Utah, the son of Donald V. and Lorita Shand Tibbs. He grew up in Salt Lake City, Utah, and attended Emerson Grade School, Roosevelt Jr. High and South High School. Marrying the love of his life, Marjorie Janet James, on June 14, 1948 in the Salt Lake Temple, they had five children. She preceded him in death, December 22, 2011.

When he was drafted, our father served in the 13th Armored Division of Patton’s Third Army in World War II. Wounded in battle in Germany 4/11/1945, he was awarded the Purple Heart medal, Bronze Star for heroism and two battle stars on war ribbons.

Dad attended the University of Utah on the GI Bill. Graduated from law school and opened a law practice in Manti in 1949. During his career he served as Sanpete County Attorney for 12 years. He then operated a private practice of law as "Tibbs and Tervort". He was appointed to serve on the judicial bench on January 1, 1973, serving as judge of the Sixth Judicial District Court of the State of Utah for 23 years and Senior District Court Judge of the State of Utah for 6 years. He was honored as alumni of the year by the University of Utah.

Active in the LDS Church, Dad served 10 years in the Manti Utah Stake presidency, as a high councilor in the Snow College Stake and twice in the Manti Utah Stake. He was blessed to be an ordinance worker in the Manti Temple for over 12 years. He and also served a 2-year mission with his devoted wife as senior missionaries for the LDS Church.

Dad was always active in the Boy Scouts of America and served in many leadership positions and was awarded the Silver Beaver medal for his efforts.

Veteran organizations were very important to our father. He was a life member of the American Legion, life member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and life member of the Purple Heart Association. He served as commander of the Department of Utah American Legion as well as post commander, district commander and post adjutant.

Dad was especially proud of his efforts as president of Manti Jaycees as a young man. He was also vice president of Utah Jaycees and state legal counsel.

As a past Manti City and Sanpete County chairman of the Republican Party, Red Cross and March of Dimes, our father dedicated his life to the betterment of his beloved community and country and was honored to be the grand marshal of the Sanpete County Fair Parade.

He is survived by his children: Claudia (Jeff) Killian, Manti; Cynthia Lopez, South Jordan; David (Carol) Tibbs, Manti; Robert (RaeAnn) Tibbs, Bloomington, IN; Janet (Joao) Loureiro, Layton; sister, Robyn Kelly and the sisters of his heart: Betty Layton, Connie Hiwiller and Joann (Jim) Donaldson. He was a wonderful grandfather to his 21 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by wife, Marjorie; parents; son-in-law, Amado Lopez; brother, Peter Tibbs.

The family wishes to express their gratitude to the staff and administration of the Central Utah Veterans Home in Payson for their loving and exemplary care of our father.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Friends of the Sanpete County Children’s Justice Center at P.O Box 292 Manti, Utah 84642 or online at www.Sanpetefriendscjc.org

Funeral services will be held on Monday, November 28, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. in the Manti Stake Center, 555 East Union, where friends may call Sunday evening from 5-7 p.m. or Monday from 9-10:30 a.m. Burial will be in the Manti City Cemetery with military honors by the Manti American Legion Post #31. Funeral Directors: Magleby Mortuary, Richfield, Salina and Manti.