Robert Lee “Bobby” Gibler, 74, of Higginsville, Missouri, passed away at his home on Sunday, August 9, 2026. He was born on June 5, 1952, in Lexington, Missouri, to Robert and Mabel (Parker) Gibler.
Bobby was raised in Mayview, Missouri, and graduated from Odessa High School in 1970. Throughout his life, he held different jobs and worked for several businesses owned by his parents. It was through those early working years that Bobby met the love of his life, Debbie. They were married on September 19, 1980, and built a life and family together filled with love, hard work, laughter, and countless memories.
Bobby was known for his strong work ethic and spent the majority of his career as a commercial truck driver. He took great pride in his work and in the life he built, but nothing made him more proud than his family. Over the past few years, he began slowing down from work and cherished many memories made with his family. Nothing brought him more joy than being a Papa to his grandchildren.
Bobby was a man of faith and carried that faith with him throughout his life. He was also a man who never knew a stranger. He was known for his one of a kind sense of humor, often being the only person laughing at his own jokes, but that was Bobby, and it was one of the many things he was loved for. He had an incredibly generous heart and would do anything for anyone; the kind of man who really would give you the shirt off his back.
Outside of work, Bobby enjoyed spending time outdoors, tinkering on projects, and traveling with Debbie. They enjoyed countless vacations and cruises with family over the years. He had an especially tender heart for animals and spent his life giving a warm home to many critters.
However, nothing compared to the love he had for his chickens. His love for animals was just another reflection of the caring heart he carried throughout his life.
Bobby was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend. He leaves behind his beloved wife of nearly 46 years, Debbie Gibler (Hartwig) of Higginsville; his children, Heather (Mike) Stephens of San Francisco, California, Donnie Gibler of Higginsville, Jarrod Gibler of Higginsville, and Lauren (Wade) Nevels of Higginsville; his forever daughter-in-law, Tina Gibler of Higginsville; his grandchildren, Micah Gibler, Henry Hurshman, Lila Kessler, and Charli Nevels. He is also survived by his sister, Peggy (Tommy) Clemmons of Higginsville, and was loved by his many nieces and nephews.
Bobby was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Mabel (Parker) Gibler; his brother, Donald Gibler, who lost his life serving in the Vietnam War; and his sister, Tena Duensing.
Bobby leaves behind a legacy of hard work, faith, generosity, laughter, and, above all, love for his family. He was immensely proud of the life he built and the family he and Debbie created together. His smile, laugh, and big heart will be deeply missed.
Visitation will be held Monday, August 17, 2026, from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Stewart-Hoefer Funeral Home in Higginsville, Missouri. A funeral service will follow from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Casket bearers: Donnie Gibler, Jarrod Gibler, Mike Stephens, Wade Nevels, Michael Clemmons, Tommy Clemmons
Honorary: Micah Gibler and Henry Hurshman
In honor of Bobby and his love for animals, memorials can be made to Friends of the Friendless Animal Rescue and Risen From the Ashes.
Source: KMZU, The Farm
