Bill McKibben had previously co-owned and operated M & R Plumbing and Heating
William H. McKibben, 92, died July 25, 2018, at Bluffton Hospital. Bill was born Feb. 15, 1926, in Continental, Ohio, to the late Wilbert and Zella (Prowant) McKibben. On June 26, 1948, he married Faye Buckmaster McKibben and she survives.
Bill graduated from Continental High School and was a U.S. Army veteran of World War II. He had previously co-owned and operated M & R Plumbing and Heating in Bluffton with his brother-in-law, Harold Rau. He also had worked as a plumbing inspector for Allen County. Bill was a member of the Emmanuel United Church of Christ in Bluffton, American Legion Post #382, Bluffton and past member of the Bluffton Masonic Lodge.
Survivors include his wife, Faye McKibben of Bluffton; a daughter, Deb Downey of Weston, Ohio; two sons, Bill (Paula) McKibben of Jenera, Terry (Katie) McKibben of Bowling Green, Ohio, nine grandchildren, Shaun Downey, Travis (Karen) Downey, Drew (Jillian) Downey, Ethan (Kati) Downey, Rebecca Schwarz, Kurt (Kara) McKibben, Erin (Dustin) Moore, Ryan McKibben, Colin (Samantha Hirsch) McKibben, fifteen great grandchildren, Lukas, Madeline, Logan, Tucker, Cooper and Barrett Downey, Briton (Jayme) Long, Alysa and David Long, Kyle Kurtz, Kassandra, Karson and Karter McKibben, Blaize and Brooks Schwarz; four great-great grandchildren, Jaelyn, Jaxston, Eli and Diego; two brothers, Veron (Charlene) McKibben of Warren, Michigan, Richard (Sue) McKibben of Clarkston, Michigan; and two sisters, Vada Jean Pierce of Pioneer, Ohio and Ghnelda (Charles) McDougle of Rawson.
Bill was preceded in death by a son-in-law, Timothy Downey; two grandsons, Nathan Downey and Aaron Schwarz; three brothers, Glenn McKibben, Ken McKibben and Gaylon McKibben; and a sister, Mary Alice Marriott.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 3 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 4, at Emmanuel United Church of Christ, Bluffton. Pastor Jeremy Mann officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church.
Memorial contributions may be made to Emmanuel United Church of Christ or to the Flag City Honor Flight, P.O. Box 885, Findlay, Ohio 45840.
Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.chiles-lamanfh.com.
Arrangements are under the direction of Chiles-Laman Funeral & Cremation Services, Bluffton.
Stories Posted This Week
Monday, June 8, 2026
Sunday, June 7, 2026
Saturday, June 6, 2026
Friday, June 5, 2026
- Stay tuned for Pirate action at OHSSA state track and field coverage
- Ada Icon headlines, June 5
- Wheeler graduates from Ohio Bankers League Bank Leadership Institute
- Ellerbrock awarded Lima Memorial Nursing Alumnae Scholarship
- Pirate speedsters Wright and Miller each advance to 2 state finals
- Golfers, sponsors invited to support American Legion fundraiser
- Letter: Alternatives to Village mosquito fogging
Thursday, June 4, 2026
- Eileen Ruth Garmatter was a homemaker
- Elnore Ruth (Rosenberger) Yost taught at Marimor
- WGTE and WBGU create broadcasting partnership
- ICYMI: May 2026 Bluffton Icon Highlights
- Shoppers' journey with Bluffton Small Business Passport has begun
- Middle and high school student activities at BPL
- Local artist Crumrine to teach Watercolor Workshop at Library
- Lacrosse or La Crosse: Game versus virus
- 2027 Senior Center trip planning, June 11