Jack R. Hibard

Graveside Service with Military Honors will be May 20, 2026 at 11am. Holy Sepulcher Cemetary 7845 E. Santiago Canyon Road Orange, CA 92869 A Celebrated Life In loving memory of Jack Russell Hibard, who passed away peacefully at his home on April 26, 2026. Jack was born on January 20, 1925, near Mosinee, Wisconsin, to John and Sophie Hibard. Raised alongside his five siblings during the peak of the Great Depression, Jack learned resilience early on. At just 17 years old, he answered the call of duty and enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps, joining his brothers Floyd, Charlie, Harold, and George in military service during World War II. Locally celebrated as the legendary “Five Fighting Hibards,” the family endured the profound loss of Harold, who was killed in action at Normandy on June 6, 1944. Jack served with honor in Okinawa and Saipan. While he kept the heavy details of the war private - a choice his family deeply respected - he always maintained his signature sense of humor, jokingly blaming his lack of hair on his two years spent overseas. After his military service, Jack followed his siblings out west to Southern California. An avid fan of boxing and baseball, he was absolutely certain that if it hadn't been for his height, he would have played in the major leagues. Instead of the ball field, he channeled his incredible work ethic into business, partnering with his brother George to own and manage Spiral Paper Tube and Core Company - a role he relished until his retirement 50 years later. Jack was the beloved husband of Elizabeth (Libby) Hibard, who preceded him in death in 1998. He was the immensely proud father of Deborah and Donald, and the cherished "Grandpa Jack" to 7 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren. He also leaves behind his son-in-law Ron, daughter-in-law Gabby, and former daughter-in-law Rosie, whose dedicated love, humor, and care allowed Jack to remain comfortably at home in his final years. Beyond his family, Jack’s greatest passion was Thoroughbred horses - a journey that began with the purchase of his first horse in 1967 and grew into the owning, breeding and racing of dozens more. While he thoroughly enjoyed the thrill of the winner’s circle at Los Alamitos and Agua Caliente, his truest joy was at home, watching newborn foals stand on wobbly legs, growing into young and strong yearlings. In his later years, you would find him exactly where he wanted to be: sitting under the shade trees at home with a beloved dog nestled in his lap, watching his horses graze and gallop, and dreaming with a smile that just maybe, the newest foal would be the one destined for the Kentucky Derby.

Jack R. Hibard

January 20, 1925 - April 26, 2026

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Jack R. Hibard

January 20, 1925 - April 26, 2026

COVID-19

Flowers & Gifts

Grief & Healing

Our Services

About Us

Obituaries

What We Do

Contact Information

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