Joe Hibbard

Joe Hibbard, 74, of Louisville, Kentucky, passed away on Wednesday, November 3, 2021. Joe was raised in a loving home in Pineville, Kentucky with his parents and two brothers. Joe served our great Nation honorably during the Vietnam Era. During this time, he was a counterintelligence agent and has always been most proud of the time he spent with the United States Army. He attended Eastern Kentucky University where he received his Bachelor's Degree in Criminal Justice. Joe began his professional career with the Commonwealth of Kentucky as a fraud investigator. He retired from this role and then served the Jefferson County School system in a variety of positions.

Joe is a devout father to his children and always supported their life's adventures and dreams. He enjoyed sharing military stories with his son, and visiting him throughout his duty stations. It is a common bond between the two that will always be alive. He traveled often to see his daughter compete in her sporting events during college and took joy in watching her grow into a successful and adventurous young woman and eventually a mother. As his children became parents, Joe found a new love that was born with each grandchild. He teased that he wanted to be called Coach Joe, but the grandkids only know him as Papa Joe. The memories made over the years with his grandchildren, fulfilled his heart to new depths.

Over the years, Joe served two different High Schools with coaching contributions with football and basketball teams. Joe was passionate and dedicated to providing a strong learning environment to students as well as an outlet to stay active and included with sporting events after school. During this time, Joe found his purpose and meaning while being part of a team and having an impact on the lives of our youth. Games were won, trips were taken, and friendships were founded. These are the memories that Joe regaled over the past few years. His passion for being part of a team and brotherhood provided him with purpose and meaning.

He is preceded in death by his father, Dallas Hibbard, mother, Hestel Hibbard, and brother, Jack Hibbard.

Joe is survived by his loving family, children, Sarah C. (Joshua) Leachman and Daniel V. (Amy) Hibbard; grandchildren, Isabella C. Leachman, Isabella R. Hibbard, Lincoln X. Leachman, Jaxon V. Hibbard, Collin A. Hibbard, Langston K. Leachman, Lawson B. Leachman, and Lola B. Leachman; brother, Jim Hibbard; sister-in-law, Paula Hibbard; nephew, John (Lisa) Hibbard; his beloved Labrador Sam. As well as a host of family and friends to cherish his loving memory forever.

Visitation will be from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm on Saturday, November 13, 2021 at Newcomer Cremations, Funerals & Receptions - Southwest Louisville Chapel, (10304 Dixie Hwy). His Funeral Service will be at 6:00 pm on Saturday, at Newcomer Cremations, Funerals & Receptions - Southwest Louisville Chapel with burial at Kentucky Veterans Cemetery (Central) in Radcliff, Kentucky on December 1, 2021 at 12:30pm.

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