Earl "Tom" Hibbs

Earl “Tom” Hibbs (1939-2026) passed on Monday Feb 16th, 2026, at Healthwin at the age of 86. He is survived by his Wife (Carol Shumaker), his 3 sons (Scott, Keith, Brian), his 2 granddaughters (Jordan, Isabella), and his great-granddaughter (Tyler). Tom as he liked to be known, was born in Eldorado, Illinois on June 27th, 1939, to Mary Helen Hibbs and Earl P. Hibbs. He spent his early childhood in in Texas; his family moved around to military bases eventually ending up in Evansville Indiana. 

Tom Graduated from Indiana State University with a Bachelor of Science from the teaching college and a Master of Arts degree in biology and moved to South Bend to become a science teacher in the South Bend School system for several years. He then moved to teaching at IUSB where he would continue to teach biology for 35 years before retiring. He had several academic papers published including “Intraspecific Allelopathy” which he had co-authored with his now wife Carol. He was a contributor to the American Biology Teacher, a member of Sigma Xi and A.B.L.E. (The Association for Biology Laboratory Education). During this time, he also taught at The Rabbi Naftali Riff Yeshiva and did so until it moved to Indianapolis. Tom had even taught his 3 children to help him grade his student’s multiple-choice tests. 

Tom was an expert marksman and certified NRA instructor in his younger years, having been president of the St. Joseph Valley Rifle & Pistol Association from 1980 - 1983. Tom did not want a funeral, but a Celebration of Life is pending. Tom loved nature so we ask that memorial contributions be made to the Potawatomi Conservatories 2105 Mishawaka Ave, South Bend, IN 46615

McGann Hay Funeral Home has been entrusted to assist the family. To share memories and to leave condolences, please visit www.mcgannhay.com