Robert Curtis Libey passed away Wednesday, Nov. 1, 2017 at his home surrounded by his loving family. He was born on a dairy farm in Elsie Michigan on April 11, 1924 to George E. Libey and Eva L Curtis Libey and graduated from Elsie High School. He served in the Air Force during WWII as a navigator with the rank of Captain and continued in the reserves as a Lieutenant Colonel.
He met his wife, Doris Stone Libey, while working at Dow Chemical, Midland, Michigan. They were married Aug. 3, 1946. Robert then graduated with a chemical engineering degree from Michigan State in 1951. After graduating from Michigan State University he started with 3M in St. Paul, Minnesota in research and development.
He moved to Decatur as part of the management team starting the 3M plant. He was in Decatur from 1960-1969 as production superintendent. Mr. Libey then moved to Moline, Illinois as plant manager for the new 3M facility in Cordova, Illionois. Three years later he moved to Atwerp, Belgium as plant manager and served on the board of directors for 3M Europe for three years. He returned to the Cordova plant and retired from 3M after 43 years of service. He remained very active in his community. He then moved back to Decatur in 2012.
His many community activities included helping establish the Eastwood Elementary School Library in 1962 where his children attended school. The family was active in the DECALA Camping Club Decatur.
He participated in the following organizations: Masonic Lodge of Elsie Michigan, Albany, Illinois Indian Mounds board of directors, Active member and major donor to Rotary International. Robert and his wife attended a number of the Rotary International Conventions around the world, Waste Management of Rock Island County, Illinois and Cordova Illinois City Council.
He enjoyed playing golf, attending the Christian Science Church with his wife, Doris and captained the boat for the family water skiing on the Tennessee and the Mississippi Rivers.
Robert and Doris enjoyed traveling in their RV on many trips including north to Alaska with grandkids and as far south as Mexico.
He was an accomplished woodworker that made many memories for his children and grandchildren.
Preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Russell Libey of Arizona.
He is survived by his wife of 71 years, Doris; and his children, Joyce Johnson (David) Decatur, Barbara Kelley (Steve) North Carolina, Jim Libey (Cathy) Missouri and Curtis Libey (Kathy) Colorado; grandchildren, Mark Moebes, Rob Moebes, Matthew Moebes, Timothy Kelley, Christine Kelley, Brian Libey, Wendy Libey; great-grandchildren, Barrette, Grace, John, Gretchen, Lucas, Hope, Holly and Nathan Moebes of Decatur, Harrison and Melody Moebes, Olivia Libey and Logan Nichols of Missouri.
A Celebration of his life will be Saturday, Nov. 4, 2017 at 11 a.m. at Roselawn Funeral Home with visitation one hour prior to the service.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Rotary International.
