John Michael Lybarger (70) of rural West Liberty

John Michael Lybarger, age 70, of rural Ste. Marie, Illinois, passed away unexpectedly at 5:40 PM – Wednesday, November 7, 2018, at his farm.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 AM – Monday, November 12 at St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church in Ste. Marie, Illinois. Burial will be in the St. Mary’s Cemetery in Ste. Marie, Illinois, with full military rites by the Ste. Marie American Legion Post #932 with assistance by the Illinois Nation Guard Burial Detail team. Visitation will be held 4:00-7:00 PM – Sunday at the church and 1 hour before the mass. In loving memory of John, memorials may be made to the Ste. Marie American Legion Post #932, Ste. Marie, Illinois 62459. Arrangements are under the care of the Meyer Funeral Home in Newton, Illinois. The obituary can be viewed and condolences left by clicking here.

John was born on July 20, 1948, in Olney, Illinois, the son of Alfred Joseph and Wilma Lou (Lutz) Lybarger. He married Diann Ochs on February 17, 1968, at St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church in Ste. Marie, Illinois. John graduated from Clay City High School in 1966. In 1968, John was drafted in the United States Army serving during Vietnam. He received the Bronze Star for heroic service during combat. After his service in the Army, John continued to serve his country in the Army National Guard serving a total of 27 years. John was a lifelong farmer and carpenter. He was a member of St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church in Ste. Marie; Ste. Marie American Legion Post #932 and currently served as Commander. John was very active in his community and always willing to volunteer his time. Most recently helping with the annual Cork and Pork festival, St. Mary’s Church picnic and the Ste. Marie Foundation house and activities. John enjoyed hunting, fishing, wood working and spending time with family.

John is survived by: Wife of 50 years – Diann Lybarger of Ste. Marie, Illinois. Children – Jeremy (wife Mary) Lybarger of Ste. Marie, Illinois and Traci Lybarger (husband Rob Overman) of Ste. Marie, Illinois. Grandchildren - Maverick Goss and Bristol Lybarger both of Ste. Marie, Illinois; Nikki Ayers and Kylie Aspenleiter both of San Diego, California and Katey Bradpiece of Los Angeles, California. Great Grandchildren – Cale and Cameron Aspenleiter and Rocklend Ayers. Siblings – Bob Lybarger of Salem, Illinois; Myron (wife Joyce) Lybarger of Dundas, Illinois; Linda (husband Keith) Kocher of Claremont, Illinois; David (Cindy) Lybarger of Nashville, Tennessee; Louise Lybarger (special friend Louie Gassman) of Newton, Illinois and Paul (wife Elizabeth) Lybarger of Wendelin, Illinois. Several nieces and nephews also survive.

John was preceded in death by his parents, father and mother-in-law Bob and Stella Ochs, brother-in-law Darrell Ochs and a sister-in-law Susan Lybarger.