He was born during a blizzard in his Warsaw home on March 17, 1926, to Roy O. and E. Faun (Roath) Bibler. On Oct. 31, 1954, in Orlando, Fla., he was united in marriage to Marilyn “Jean” Carr, who survives.

An only child, he grew up on the family farm and began his career by selling fishworms at the age of 9 which helped him pay for his clothes throughout high school. He was a graduate of Pierceton High School in 1944, Cook and Bake School for the Army at Ft. Sheridan, IL, and was a member of the U.S. Army Air Corp where he was honorably discharged in 1945. Throughout his career, he worked for Reid Murdoch, Arnolt Corp, and several construction companies.

Father and son joined together to form Bibler Construction. For over 40 years, they built over 400 homes and buildings including grocery stores and the Dog-n-Suds. They dug ponds, lakes, and built streets. As a builder and land developer, his various corporations and partners were responsible for creating many of the following: Bibler Addition, Lake Sharon, Brookwood, Southtown Estates, Hidden Lake, Airport Park, and the following shopping centers: Lakeview, Center Center, Eastlake, and Marketplace. In addition, they also developed shopping centers in Edinburgh, Indiana as well as Birch Run, Holland, and Monroe, Mich.

He was a member of the Pierceton Presbyterian Church, Pierceton, Ind., and a lifetime member of the American Legion Post #49 of Warsaw. He enjoyed history, collecting, and spending time with his grandchildren. For his philanthropic and community endeavors, he was honored to be named the 2010 Kosciusko County Man of the Year.

He is survived by and will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 57 year: Marilyn “Jean” Bibler, Winona Lake; two daughters: Shari (Tom) Skaggs, Winona Lake; Sandy Lynn Bibler, Winona Lake; one son: William “Bill” R. (Benita) Bibler, Winona Lake; and seven grandchildren: Tyler Skaggs, Valparaiso, Ind.; Kelsay Skaggs, Riviera Beach, Fla.; Ashley Skaggs, Decatur, Ill.; Kylie Skaggs, Winona Lake; Rachel Bibler, West Lafayette, Ind.; William C. “Will” Bibler and Grant Bibler, Winona Lake; his in-laws: Betty and John Cardwell, Ocean View, Del.; Harold “Butch” and Carol Carr, Orlando, Fla.; as well as one niece, 5 nephews, 1 great niece, and 3 great nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a daughter: Kathryn Irene Bibler on Dec. 16, 1969.

Visitation will be held from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 30, at Redpath-Fruth Funeral Home, Warsaw. His funeral service will be conducted at 11 a.m. Friday, Aug. 31, at the funeral home with Reverend Steven M. Mullin. Burial will follow at Oakwood Cemetery of Warsaw with military rites conducted by the American Legion Post #49 and V.F.W. #1126 both of Warsaw, as well as active duty members of the military.

Memorial donations in Bill’s name may be directed to the Special Olympics – Indiana/Kosciusko County, c/o Judy Weidner, 5225 Heron Blvd., Warsaw, Indiana 46582; Pierceton Presbyterian Church, P.O. Box 345, Pierceton, Indiana 46562; or to Our Father’s House, 401 Argonne Road, Warsaw, Indiana 46580 and would be appreciated by his family.