John Alsworth Sibbitt, age 98, passed away Monday, March 30, 2020 at Highland Park Care Center in Alliance, NE. He was born in Omaha, NE on February 6, 1922 (with home being Hyannis) to Arthur Charles and Ola Gertrude (Alsworth) Sibbitt.
John and his younger sister grew up ranching near Hyannis, NE. He attended Kemper Military School in Missouri his freshman and sophomore year where he wrestled, played the tuba, and with a big grin would tell you that he spent a lot of time working off his demerits. He attended Hyannis High his junior year, then graduated from Curtis Agriculture School in 1940 where he was active in boxing. He attended college in Lincoln for one semester but returned home to the ranch and informed his Dad that he’d taught them easterners all they needed to know! In 1942 John’s father passed away leaving him and his mother to manage the ranch. Two years later his mother also passed leaving the 20-year-old to run the ranch and settle estates. He was a man of grit and great determination who thrived as a cattleman. He participated in many other areas of the industry including cattle feeder, order buyer and sale barn owner. He was also very athletic; at the age of 70 he could still be seen loping his horse into a stock trailer and grabbing the roof to swing off just as his horse lunged in. John will always be remembered as a man of many talents; a well-known cowboy, rancher, business man, extraordinary pilot and a wonderful story teller of the interesting times in which he lived. He was a hard worker yet had a fun and optimistic outlook on life and was a playful jokester. He needed only meet you once to make a memorable impression. Just when you thought you knew him well; you’d discover another hidden talent such as playing the guitar, harmonica or even singing and writing funny poetry. John lived life to its fullest and had a daredevil spirit; from riding a bucking bronc in a wash tub to landing his plane on a moving train, he never lived a dull moment.
His survivors are 3 of his children John Sibbitt Jr., Joan Sibbitt and Dina (John) Denton. He is also survived by daughter-in-law Alice Sibbitt (Kem), 3 grandsons Jared (Risa) Sibbitt, Clay Sibbitt and Allen Denton. He has two great grandson’s Darien and Sawyer Sibbitt, and his nephew, Jim Copsey (Ethel). He was preceded in death by his parents, sister (Naomi “Sitter” Copsey), his son Kem Arthur Sibbitt, and his niece, Jackie Copsey. Memorial services will be determined at a later date.
Memorial contributions can be made to the Hyannis High School Rodeo Club; 36437 Graham Drive, Ashby, NE 69333.
Online condolences may be left at www.batesgould.com. Bates-Gould Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.