Col. Frank W. "Klib" Klibbe, 87, of Tavares passed away on April 26, 2008. He was born May 30, 1920 in Marion, Indiana. His wonderful parents, Edward and Pearl Klibbe raised Col. Klibbe in Anderson, IN., where he played basketball and was a quarterback in football, earning the nickname "Cannonball". Col. Klibbe's heroic military career began as an aviation cadet in the Army Air Corps on October 26, 1941 after earning his wings he was assigned at Halesworth RAB, Suffolk, England during WWII where he earned the honor of "Ace" after serving aerial victories in the European Theatre, 8th Air Force, 56th Fighter Group, 61st Squadron. Col. Klibbe flew with many other "Aces" such as "Gabby" Gabreski, Jerry Johnson, Dave Schilling, "Hub" Zemke to name a few. Following WWII Col. Klibbe was one of several flying the first Transatlantic Jet Crossing "Fox Able One", which began a new era in military aviation and the beginning of rapid air deployment of fighters via the North Atlantic route to all of the European Continent. Col. Klibbe's career also included another first in military aviation, he was instrumental in establishing in-flight refueling, allowing planes to continue their missions by refueling in flight versus returning to their base to refuel, which dramatically changed military aviation forever. Col. Klibbe retired from the U.S. Air Force in 1972 after 32 honorable years. Among his many awards were the Legion of Merit, The Distinguished Flying Cross with 2 clusters, and the Air Medal with 5 clusters. Col. Klibbe is survived by his wife, Elizabeth "Bebe" Klibbe, seven children, 12 grandchildren and eight great grandchildren. "Klib" will be greatly missed by family, friends, and all who ever knew his humor. A Memorial Service will be held at 10 a.m. on Friday, May 9, 2008 at Steverson Hamlin & Hilbish Funeral Home with Dr. Alan Holden officiating. A Graveside Service with Military Honors will be held at 2 p.m. on Friday, May 9, 2008 at Florida National Cemetery, Bushnell, FL. Arrangements have been entrusted to Steverson Hamlin & Hilbish Funeral Home, 226 East Burleigh Boulevard, Tavares, FL 32778. Online condolences may be left at www.steversonhamlinhilbish.com
Daily Commercial, The (Leesburg, FL) - May 4, 2008
Daily Commercial, The (Leesburg, FL) - May 4, 2008
Col. Frank W. "Klib" Klibbe, 87, of Tavares passed away on April 26, 2008. He was born May 30, 1920 in Marion, Indiana. His wonderful parents, Edward and Pearl Klibbe raised Col. Klibbe in Anderson, IN., where he played basketball and was a quarterback in football, earning the nickname "Cannonball". Col. Klibbe's heroic military career began as an aviation cadet in the Army Air Corps on October 26, 1941 after earning his wings he was assigned at Halesworth RAB, Suffolk, England during WWII where he earned the honor of "Ace" after serving aerial victories in the European Theatre, 8th Air Force, 56th Fighter Group, 61st Squadron. Col. Klibbe flew with many other "Aces" such as "Gabby" Gabreski, Jerry Johnson, Dave Schilling, "Hub" Zemke to name a few. Following WWII Col. Klibbe was one of several flying the first Transatlantic Jet Crossing "Fox Able One", which began a new era in military aviation and the beginning of rapid air deployment of fighters via the North Atlantic route to all of the European Continent. Col. Klibbe's career also included another first in military aviation, he was instrumental in establishing in-flight refueling, allowing planes to continue their missions by refueling in flight versus returning to their base to refuel, which dramatically changed military aviation forever. Col. Klibbe retired from the U.S. Air Force in 1972 after 32 honorable years. Among his many awards were the Legion of Merit, The Distinguished Flying Cross with 2 clusters, and the Air Medal with 5 clusters. Col. Klibbe is survived by his wife, Elizabeth "Bebe" Klibbe, seven children, 12 grandchildren and eight great grandchildren. "Klib" will be greatly missed by family, friends, and all who ever knew his humor. A Memorial Service will be held at 10 a.m. on Friday, May 9, 2008 at Steverson Hamlin & Hilbish Funeral Home with Dr. Alan Holden officiating. A Graveside Service with Military Honors will be held at 2 p.m. on Friday, May 9, 2008 at Florida National Cemetery, Bushnell, FL. Arrangements have been entrusted to Steverson Hamlin & Hilbish Funeral Home, 226 East Burleigh Boulevard, Tavares, FL 32778. Online condolences may be left at www.steversonhamlinhilbish.com
Daily Commercial, The (Leesburg, FL) - May 4, 2008
Daily Commercial, The (Leesburg, FL) - May 4, 2008
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