David Eugene Kibler

David Eugene Kibler, 76, of Elkton, Maryland, died peacefully July 8, 2024 with his loving wife by his side.

“David K,” as he was known to all who loved him, was born in Richmond, Virginia, on December 26, 1947 to the late Herbert Eugene and Dorothy Stewart Kibler. He was a U.S. Army veteran, having served in Germany. He previously lived in rural Alaska, Costa Rica, Louisiana, North Carolina, and Virginia. He is survived by his wife of 28 years, Donna W. Murphy; brothers Wayne Kibler and his wife, Jayne, and Darryl Kibler and his wife, Susan; sisters Deborah Pollard and Marcia Kibler; stepson Adam Murphy and his wife, Erica Murphy; stepdaughter Erin Murphy and her husband, Richard De Prospo; grandchildren Nathan De Prospo, Molly De Prospo, Joanna Murphy, and Collin Murphy; honorary grandson Jacob Gross; numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins; and longtime friend Greg Kessler.

In addition to his parents, he is predeceased by his paternal and maternal grandparents, including his
beloved “Granny Chick.”

 

David K was a graduate of Manchester High School in Midlothian, Virginia, where he was a co-captain of the varsity football team and crowned Prom King his senior year. In college, he studied drafting, which prepared him well for his career in the building trades. After working for Mosler Safe Company, he moved into construction, working on homes, schools, and commercial properties. He took particular pride in his work on beach homes in the Outer Banks of North Carolina. He was known for his work ethic, meticulousness, and camaraderie on the job site. His stepchildren and grandchildren will never forget one of his favorite sayings: “Measure twice, cut once,” which applied not only to construction projects but also to life lessons.

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David K married Donna in July 1996 in a surprise wedding during a Stewart family reunion on the beach in Nags Head, North Carolina. Loved ones looked up from their hot dogs and potato salad to see the couple processing toward them in wedding attire, led by the minister who officiated over the joyous, impromptu ceremony.

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He and Donna enjoyed traveling throughout Australia, New Zealand, China, Great Britain, Ireland, Europe, Iceland, Canada, Tahiti, Central America, and much of the United States, including Hawaii. One of their favorite trips was to Windsor, England, for the Royal Wedding festivities of Prince Harry and his American wife, Megan. He was an avid reader, sometimes finishing a new novel in less than a day. He enjoyed watching sunrises on the Outer Banks and sunsets on the Elk River, making woodcrafts, shooting marbles with his grandchildren, watching NASCAR Cup races (especially the ones he attended with friends over the years), camping, kayaking, birdwatching, playing Scrabble, doing jigsaw puzzles, working out, sending handwritten letters, preparing clams casino, pampering his pickup truck, cranking up the volume on Sirius radio, and savoring good food (especially his mother’s homemade rolls).

David K was rarely seen without a bandana from his vast collection tied neatly around his neck. He never met a stranger, bonding easily with neighbors, librarians, healthcare workers, and even people in line at the grocery store. His family will miss his quick wit and clever puns, generous spirit, genuine smile, and sincere desire to help others.

There will be no formal funeral service. Later this year, David K’s ashes will be scattered in two of his
favorite places: the Outer Banks and the home he refurbished on the Elk River. In his honor, please
pause to appreciate a beautiful sunrise or sunset whenever you can.