John Earl Tibbs

John Earl Tibbs, 98, of Poplar Bluff, Missouri passed away on June 15, 2025, at John J. Pershing VA Medical Center in Poplar Bluff, Missouri.

John was born on June 11, 1927, to James and Mary CalDona (Hellums) Tibbs in Stringtown, Missouri. He married Mary Ellen Barker on January 28, 1946, at the Church of God parsonage in Poplar Bluff, Missouri.

John served in the Army as a Veteran of World War II from 1945-1947 while stationed in Korea. After his service he worked for the Great Atlantic & Pacific Tea Company from 1948-1975. He managed stores in Dexter, MO, Chaffee, MO, Murphysboro, IL, DuQuoin, IL, and Poplar Bluff, MO. He then worked for Safeway Grocery from 1975-1985. John concluded his career as a salesman at Anderson's Home Furnishings from 1985-1995 when he retired. He then spent his days crappie fishing at Lake Wappapello with his brother, Leo; planting a massive garden and deer and turkey hunting. He was also a doting caregiver for his wife for over 12 years until her passing in 2022. John was a member of the First Church of God and served in many capacities over the years. He will be missed by all who knew him.

John is survived by two children, Janice (Gary) Miller of Poplar Bluff, MO and Gregory (Jolanda) Tibbs of Creal Springs, IL; six grandchildren, Lindsey (Parker) Williams of Oxford England, Meagan (Logan) Bader of Poplar Bluff, MO, Katelyn Miller of Norman OK, John W (Emily) Tibbs of Nashville, TN, Chase Tibbs of Charlotte, NC, and Hunter Tibbs of Delavan, WI; seven great grandchildren, Davis, Charlotte, Samuel, Rowan, Jack, Eden, and Lily.

John was preceded in death by his parents, James and Dona; wife, Mary Ellen of 76 years; daughter, Margaret Ann; siblings, Leo, Lorene Scott, and Ralph.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, June 21, 2025, from10-10:45am at the First Church of God in Poplar Bluff, MO. Funeral services will immediately follow beginning at 10:45am with Reverend Greg Tibbs officiating. Burial will take place at Memorial Gardens Cemetery. Honorary pallbearers include; Logan and Davis Bader, John, Chase, and Hunter Tibbs, and Parker Williams.

Cotrell Willow Ridge Funeral & Cremation Services is honored to serve the family and friends of John Earl Tibbs. Online condolences can be made to www.cwrfcs.com