Charles ‘Chuck’ Franklin McKibben, 88, of Syracuse, Ind., passed away at 9:20 a.m. Tuesday, July 9, 2013, at his home.

He was born on Feb. 8, 1925, in Goshen, Ind., to Clarence R. and Eva (Eppert) McKibben.

He was a lifetime Syracuse area resident and attended Syracuse High School. He served
in the United States Army and was a Prisoner of War. On April 13, 1947, he married Betty E. Reed who preceded him on April 16, 2008. He retired in 1990 from Syracuse Rubber Company after 43 years of service.

He was a life member of the Syracuse American Legion Post 223 & member of V.F.W. in Syracuse. He raced stock cars at New Paris, South Bend and Fort Wayne when he was younger.

He is survived by two sons: Dallas (Sharon) McKibben, Syracuse; Rick (Robin) McKibben, Syracuse; five grandchildren: Kimberly Senders, Robert McKibben, Brady McKibben, Trevor McKibben and Heather Bixler; and 11 great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother: Morris McKibben; two sisters: Wanita Schrock and Maxine Mick; and a step brother: Robert (Bob) Wiles.

Visitation will be from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Friday, July 12, at Owen Family Funeral Home, 1001 S. Huntington St., Syracuse. Funeral services will follow at 3 p.m. Friday in the funeral home with Pastor Ed Beedle of the St. Andrew’s United Methodist Church officiating. Burial will follow in Syracuse Cemetery with military graveside rites performed by American Legion Post 223.

Memorial bequest may be given to Goshen Home Care & Hospice, 200 High Park Ave., Goshen, IN 46526. Envelopes are available at the funeral home.