John Hibler
John P. Hibler, aged 71, passed away peacefully on May 29, 2024. He was born on November 17, 1952, in Fort Campbell, Kentucky, to John F. Hibler and Beverly Foote Hibler. He was a long term resident of Zanesville, Ohio where he practiced as a dermatologist for thirty three years, displaying his passion for helping others.
He was a 1970 graduate of Silver Lake High School in Kingston, MA. He was awarded a scholarship for track to Marietta College, where in 1974, he earned an undergraduate degree in biology. He went on to study medicine and graduated from West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine in 1979. He was proud to serve as a U.S. Naval physician for eleven years, taking assignments in California, Rhode Island and most enjoyed his time with the Marine Corp. He was awarded the Navy & Marine Corps Achievement Medal (NAM) for his outstanding conduct and leadership in the field medical hospital sector at the Marine Corps Base, Camp Pendleton, California.
John loved to help others and would make friends anywhere he went. As an active member of the Zanesville community; season after season he coached ROSA soccer and youth basketball. He could often be seen in the stands of a ball game, checking moles or giving advice on sunscreen while cheering on his kids’ sports teams. He led a very active life, playing golf, tennis, pickleball, swimming, cycling and skiing. (And he’d even try to do them all in one day if he could!) He was a music enthusiast who loved playing the guitar and dancing. He could sing along to every song by Elvis, The Beach Boys and The Beatles. He was a lifelong learner and avid reader, who poured through history books and traveled all over the world with his wife and kids. He enjoyed teaching and sharing his knowledge with students as the director of the dermatology residency program. He used his many talents to enhance the lives of so many as coach, mentor, teacher, doctor, and father. He will always be remembered by those who knew him for his outgoing, generous, fun and adventurous spirit.
He is survived by his wife, Kathryn Kelly Hibler, son John T Hibler (Janelle Hibler), daughter Abbie Hibler (Alex Puig), stepdaughters Leah Ozdemir (Umit Ozdemir) and Juliana Beegan (Dennis Doerrich), dear friend and mother of his children Anita Buchman, brother Alfred Hibler (Cindy), and his four grandchildren, Carla and Gigi Puig and Alara and Jordan Ozdemir. He was preceded in death by brother Michael Hibler (Sue Coates) and sister Marilyn Donahue (John Donahue).
All interested in celebrating his life are invited to the Zanesville Country Club, 1300 Country Club Dr, Zanesville, OH 43701, on June 12, 2024. There will be a short memorial service at 4:30 PM, followed by a reception to greet the family, as well as reminisce and honor the life of John.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Dr. John P. Hibler Scholarship Fund at Marietta College, benefitting students pursuing careers in health care. Donations can be mailed to: Marietta College of Advancement, 215 5th St, Marietta, OH 45750. Contributions can also be made via the link marietta.edu/give. On the website, note that your gift is in honor of John Hibler.
The Bryan & Hardwick Funeral Home, 2318 Maple Ave. Zanesville is in charge of the arrangements. To share memories and condolences with John’s family please visit www.BryanHardwickFH.com.
