Stephen Ralph Vibbert finished his earthly tour on Monday, December 15, 2025. He was born on May 1, 1951, in Syracuse, New York, to Lyman Vibbert and Mae Greenwood Vibbert. He married Anita Louise French on November 27,1993. After attending trade school, he spent most of his life living and working as a tool and die maker in the Syracuse area until retiring and moving to Alabama in 2015. In his youth Stephen was an exceptional marksman with better than 20/20 vision, earning numerous trophies. He was very skilled at billiards as well. He had a passion for old cars and enjoyed seeing and reading about them. He and his wife Anita also belonged to three motorcycle clubs in Syracuse and enjoyed touring together on their silver Honda Gold Wing motorcycle.
Shortly before moving to Alabama, Steve obtained his amateur radio license in Fulton, NY. He was known in the ham radio world by his callsign KD2JSW. Anita passed the license tests as well and received the callsign KD2KAG. Together they became involved in several amateur radio clubs in North Alabama, where Steve held offices in the clubs in both
Limestone and Morgan Counties. They both became certified as Volunteer Examiners,
administering license exams to applicants seeking new or upgraded licenses. They were
especially active during COVID in keeping the testing sessions active in the area. They participated in many radio events such as Field Day in June and were active during severe
weather events with the North Alabama SkyWarn Net.
Steve was very friendly and liked by most people. Many who knew him noted his
respectful and gentlemanly nature. A loving husband and father, Stephen is survived by:
• Anita Vibbert, his wife of 32 years, who currently resides at Falkville Rehabilitation &
Healthcare Center. • Two children: Dawn Battelle and Stephen Vibbert, Jr., both of Syracuse, NY., Stephen is preceded in death by: his parents; his brother Paul. A springtime celebration of life service is a possibility, since he had so many friends in the community. Decatur Brown Service Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.
Please send cards ONLY (no flowers, please) to:
146 West 3rd Street Apartment 8 Falkville, AL 35622
Memorials may be made directly to:
Decatur Amateur Radio Club (DARC) PO Box 9 Decatur, AL 35602-0009
You are not forgotten, loved one nor will you ever be. As long as life and memory last we will remember thee. We miss you now Our hearts are sore as time goes by, we miss you more. Your loving smile Your gentle face No one can fill Your empty place.
— Anon
