John Elton Hibbard, 56, of Modesto, CA, passed away surrounded by family on Monday, May 7, 2012 at Alexander Cohen Hospice House in Hughson, CA. He was a quiet man fighting his cancer fearlessly without a complaint. John's faith in God and ministry was first and foremost in his life which was his source of strength. John loved his family passionately. He especially enjoyed ministering to the Senior Saints of his church, carpentry and family time. John was born in Taft, CA on November 21, 1955 to Elmer and Harriet Hibbard. John graduated from Taft Union High School in 1973 and then attended California Christian College in Fresno, graduating in 1977. He married Melba Kennedy on May 29, 1976 and the young couple moved as John's ministry led them to different churches throughout California for 25 years. He founded and established the Amador Free Will Baptist Church in Pioneer and pastored there for 11 years and most recently at Village Chapel in Ceres for 6 years. John was a craftsman in carpentry and was awarded Craftsman of the Year in 2006. A loving husband and devoted father, John is survived by his wife, Melba Hibbard; children, Tim & Cindy Hibbard of Ripon; Jessica & Daniel Gaston of Woodward, OK and Allison Hibbard of Turlock; and granddaughter, Becca Sue Gaston expected in October 2012. John was preceded in death by his granddaughter, Addison June Gaston; mother and father Elmer and Harriet Hibbard; brother, Jimmy Flippen; in-laws Paul and June Kennedy. Friends are invited to attend a memorial service Saturday, May 12 at 10:30 AM at Turlock Free Will Baptist Church, 2217 Geer Road in Turlock, CA. Interment was in the Tranquility Garden at Sunset View Cemetery in Jackson, CA. Memorial contributions may be made to Central Valley Bible Institute, 2217 Geer Rd., Turlock, CA or Alexander Cohen Hospice House, 2201 Euclid Rd., Hughson, CA.