Elwin Howard “Hud” McKibben – 91 – a resident of Hornell Gardens, formerly of 60 Erie Ave., Hornell, died Friday morning (September 16, 2011) at St. James Hospital.
A native & life resident of Hornell, he was born March 4, 1920 and was the son of Lawrence & Florence (Johe) McKibbin.
Hud was a graduate of Hornell High School (class of 1938). He was employed for 47 years at the former Erie Railroad, Erie Lackawanna Railroad and D&H Railroad, retiring about 25 years ago as a conductor.
He had been a member of the Hornell Association, the former Hornell Eagles Club and the United Transportation Union (UTU). A true outdoorsman, Hud enjoyed hunting, fishing and working in his vegetable garden. He was an avid Buffalo Bills fan and a New York Mets fan. He also enjoyed collecting arrow heads.Hud was preceded in death by5 sisters, Gertrude Ewell, Cora Lynch, Dorothy Coates Cook, Barbara Burdick Terboss and Jean Baker; his step-son, Michael Coates; his grandson, Jason Coates.
He was married in 1974 to the former Joann Baker who survives. Also surviving are 3 daughters, Dorothy (Joe) Smyder of Tyrone, PA, Jackie (Bob) Widmer of Arkport and Linda (Doug) Johnson of Marion, NC; 1 son, Joel “Butch” (Chris Schirmer) McKibben of North Bishop Valley, NY; 5 step-sons, Don (Pam) Coates of Olcott, NY, Rick (Donna) Coates of Syracuse, John (Debbie) Coates of Hornell, Andy Coates of Hornell and Jim (Jessie) Coates of North Carolina; 2 step-daughters, Patty (Bob) Carlin of Hornell and Penny (Cathy Reed) Coates of Belchertown, MA; 3 sisters, Doris MacNaughton of Hornell, Jeanette McCarthy of Thousand Oaks, CA and Joan (David) Senear of Hornell; 1 brother, Lawrence “Larry” McKibbin of Canaseraga; 33 grandchildren, Joe, Jim, John, Teresa, Suzi, Bobby, Patty, Rae Ann, Neva, Jody, Sherri, Shelly, Mike, David, Kelly, Bill, Kenny, Chad, Jeanna, Joey, Jennifer, Justine, Christie, Hoss, Brooke, Jarred, Matthew, Bobby, Eric, Lauren, Cayla, Erin & Hannah; many great-grandchildren; many great-great-grandchildren; many nieces & nephews.
The family of Elwin Howard “Hud” McKibben will receive friends on Monday from 3:00 PM until 6:00 PM at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY where funeral & committal services will be held at the conclusion of calling hours at 6:00 PM with Deacon Robert McCormick officiating. Burial will be in Rural Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to the American Alzheimer’s Association, 435 East Henrietta Road, Rochester, NY 14620. Memorial forms will be available at the Dagon Funeral Home.
Hud’s family would like to thank the wonderful staff at Hornell Gardens and St. James Mercy Hospital for the outstanding care and compassion shown to Hud and to his family. They will never be forgotten.
I would like to send out my condolences to the family of Elwin McKibben, or known to me as “Trouble”. When I worked at Byrne Dairy “Trouble” would come in for his coffee a few times a day, and buy some scratch off tickets. I remember it was my 17th birthday, and he showed up and handed me $20.00 and said “Thank You”, a little confused I asked “What’s this”, he said you sold me a winner on the Take 5 and I won $500.00. I congratulated him and said it was ok, but he insisted I keep the money. It made my birthday just a little more special :) I send out the best to the family of Elwin’s, and I am very sorry for your loss. It was a pleasure to have known him.
Dottie and Joe Smyder, We are very sorry to hear of the passing of your father. You have our heartfelt sympathy in your loss. Please know that our prayers are with you, and your family at this very sad time. We are so sorry we cannot be there in person,but please know your friends are all with you in spirit. Our love, prayers and deepest symptathy to you all. Fran & Judy Guidara, Altoona, PA,
We will sure miss you Uncle Hud.
I had a great visit with you when we last talked and will not soon forget those things you said to me.
I hope that you have a pleasant journey and say hi to my mom when you see her.
God bless you.
Jack Lynch & Family
I am going to miss you Uncle Howard. I know there are a lot of people up there that met you with open arms. Give all our love to Mom, and everyone there with you. You will always be missed. Love ALWAYS Leona and Family
Butch,
Sorry to hear about your Dad. He was a fun person to hunt with. We were talking last night abour all the deer drives Larry and your Dad were on with us. A lot of happy memories. How about you and Chris come up and visit us. Let us know so we can have a dinner with you. You take care and remember the good times.
Love
Bill & Bev