Bradford Tibbitts

Bradford Whittier Tibbitts, 74, passed away Saturday, January 23, 2016. Memorial Service: 3 p.m. Monday at First United Methodist Church, 301 S. Main Street, Weatherford, TX 76086. Memorial visitation: 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday at White’s Funeral Home, 130 Houston Avenue, Weatherford, TX 76086. Memorials: In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Brad Tibbitts Scholarship (Weatherford College Faculty Scholarship) online at https://www.wc.edu/about/giving-wc or mail to Weatherford College, 225 College Park Drive, Weatherford, TX 76086 or to the First United Methodist Church. Brad was born March 22, 1941, in Boston, Massachusetts to Walter and Barbara Tibbitts. Brad lived in Newton Centre, Needham, and Longmeadow, Massachusetts during his early childhood years. In October 1951, career opportunities led the Tibbitts to Dallas. Brad continued his education in Dallas and graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School in 1959. After one semester at the University of Texas in Austin, Brad returned to Dallas to attend Southern Methodist University (SMU). Brad began his time at SMU with the idea of a career in foreign service and becoming an American diplomat, but was inspired by his history professors at SMU. His career path turned to teaching history and government. After earning his B.A. in History from SMU in 1963, Brad continued his education at North Texas State University (University of North Texas) and earned his Master’s Degree in 1967. During his time at North Texas, Brad went on a blind date in 1965 and met the love of his life, D’Linda Shillingburg. They married on September 3, 1966 in Lamesa, Texas. Their adventure took them to Storrs, Connecticut, where Brad attended the University of Connecticut to begin work on his doctorate and teach. Brad and D’Linda were blessed with a son, Matthew, during their time in Connecticut. In August 1968, they moved to Brenham, Texas to start a career at Blinn College. Brad taught history and government from 1968 until 1973 when a new opportunity arose. Brad and family moved to Weatherford, Texas to lead the social science division at Weatherford College. In 1975, Brad became Academic Dean, a position he held until 1997. In 1976, another blessing, daughter Emily, arrived to complete their family. In the 1980’s and 90’s, Brad was an integral part of a program he felt strongly about, the Weatherford College Gifted and Talented Program. Brad retired in 2011 and was named Professor Emeritus. Outside of the classroom, Brad was an active member of the Optimist Club for over 40 years. Brad served in many roles including President and cherished his opportunities to serve the youth and greater community. Brad also was a dedicated member of the First United Methodist Church where he served on many committees and in various leadership roles. Brad also served as president of the Weatherford Public Library Friends, the director of the Comanche Trails District of the Boy Scouts of America Longhorn Council, and as a member the Weatherford Public Library Board, the Parker County Adult Literacy Committee, and the Parker County Historical Society. Family was critical to Brad, and he loved spending time with his grandchildren. He leaves behind a great legacy of helping others and will be missed by all who knew him. He is preceded in death by his parents and in-laws, Doyle and Mae Shillingburg. Survivors: wife of almost 50 years, D’Linda Tibbitts; children, son Matthew Whittier Tibbitts and wife, Deann, and daughter Emily Sue Tibbitts; grandchildren, Spencer and Jackson Tibbitts; brother, Walter G. Tibbitts III; nephew, Walter G. Tibbitts IV and wife, Leah Ann; niece, Laura Tibbitts; and great nephew, Lucas Tibbitts; special cousin, Kirk Wiggins and wife, Mary Lou; and a host of loving church family and friends.