Gladen Duff Hibler (G. D.), 94, of Kyle, was born in Burnet County, Texas on April 9, 1919 and passed away at Legend Oaks Nursing Home in Kyle, Texas on Dec. 28, 2013.
G. D. attended school in Bertram, Texas from first grade through his senior year in 1938, and subsequently got a job in Austin where he met and married Dorothy Mabel Caffey on Jan. 17, 1941. On Jan. 17, 2013 he and Dorothy celebrated their 72nd wedding anniversary.
He served briefly in World War II but was discharged when he was hospitalized due to a heart condition which continued throughout his lifetime. Following the War, G. D. attended trade school in Austin where he received a degree in Refrigeration Engineering and Air Conditioning, at which time he started his own one-man business as Hibler Refrigeration and Air Conditioning, which was very successful until he retired at age 68. At that point, he continued to “work” at his favorite pastime, which was golf, and usually won or placed in almost every tournament he played in.
G. D. was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Dorothy, on Aug. 22, 2013, as well by their only son, Larry Duff Hibler, in July of 2011. He’s survived by daughters Annette Hibler Wheeler and Dana Blank, and daughter-in-law Glenda Hibler.
G. D. is also survived by the following grandchildren: Bryan Wheeler and partner Anthony Mastropole, Kenneth Wheeler, Jr. and wife Candice, Hunter Wheeler and wife Kellie, Randy Blank and wife Valery, Rick Blank and Roddy Blank and wife Vanessa.
In addition, G. D. and Dorothy were blessed with the following great-grandchildren: Issac James Wheeler, Reilley Hunter Wheeler, Cody Duff Wheeler, Clayton Lee Wheeler, Carson Kenneth Wheeler, Rebecca Blank, Rachel Blank Gil, Kate Blank, Maddie Blank and great-great grandson Bexar Sanford.
Burial was at Cook-Walden/Forest Oaks Cemetery in Austin, Texas.
