SPRING HILL — Tommie O. Nibarger, 85, Spring Hill, passed away Sunday, June 29, 2025, at his home.
Tom was born July 4, 1939, in Parsons to F.O. (Ted) and Ethel “Dolly” (Brown) Nibarger. He grew up in Parsons and graduated from Labette County Community High School in 1958. Tom worked for the city of Parsons and Albert Owens Plumbing. He became a journeyman sprinkler fitter and worked in that capacity until he retired. Tom was a member of Local 314, Kansas City. He was awarded his 50-year membership certificate from the United Association of Journeymen and Apprentices of the Plumbing and Pipe Fitting Industry of the United States and Canada on Sept. 25, 2018. Tom married Wylene Walker Tipton in Parsons on Feb. 1, 1975. They celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary this year.
Tom was a member of Divine Mercy Catholic Church, where he served as an usher for many years. He enjoyed playing golf at Gardner Golf Course faithfully on Thursdays and Fridays with his twin brother, Dannie, and their friends. Tom was a member of the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, Pittsburg, since 1986. He later joined the Masonic Blue Lodge, Gardner, and the Abdallah Shrine, Overland Park. While in the Shrine, he was a member of the Tin Lizzie Unit, and he loved to participate in parades with his little car. Tom was a member of Chef De Shriners, a unit that prepared meals for different Shrine activities. He was very dedicated to his church and the Shrine and their work helping children.
Tom loved his family very much and was a great dad and grandfather. He enjoyed living in the country and loved animals. Tom cherished working outdoors in his yard and garden. He was an avid fan of the Kansas City Chiefs and the Kansas Jayhawks.
He is survived by his wife; a daughter, Cynthia Stone, Parsons; stepchildren, Terri Tipton, Spring Hill, and Keith Tipton, Gardner; grandchildren, Crystal Stringer, Amber Helton, Tricia Stone, Matthew Nibarger, all of Parsons, and Jessica Griffin (Joe) and Ryan Hovorka, all of Columbia, Missouri; 13 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandson; brothers, Fred Nibarger, Valley Center, and Ted Nibarger (Barbara), Girard; and many friends.
Tom was preceded in death by his parents; a son, Russell Nibarger; brothers, Jim and Dannie; and a stepson, John F. Tipton III.
The rosary will be prayed at 5:30 p.m. Monday, July 7, at Bruce Funeral Home, 106 S. Center, Gardner, with a visitation to follow at 6 p.m. and a Masonic service at 8 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday, July 8, at Divine Mercy Catholic Church, 555 W. Main, Gardner. A graveside service will be at 3 p.m. Tuesday, July 8, at Oakwood Cemetery, Parsons. The family suggests memorials to two of Tom’s favorite organizations: the Abdallah Shrine Temple, Overland Park, or Divine Mercy Parish, Our Hope, Our Future fund. Leave online condolences at www.brucefuneralhome.com.
