Carl Michael Tibbets

Carl Michael Tibbets

July 15, 1948 – August 7, 2026

Carl Michael Tibbets, 78, of Edmond, Oklahoma, passed away peacefully on August 7, 2026. Born in Topeka, Kansas, Carl was the son of Delbert Carl Tibbets and Betty Jean (Doane) Tibbets.

Carl graduated from Topeka High School in 1966 where he fell in love with science and learned to play the guitar. Carl continued his studies at Washburn University until volunteering to join the United States Navy in 1967. Carl proudly served the United States Navy from 1967 through 1970. During his time in the Navy Carl served on an aircraft carrier, The U.S.S Franklin D. Roosevelt, CV A 42, affectionately nicknamed, “The Rosie.” Ending his service in Norfolk, Virginia as an Aerographer’s Mate Second Class. Returning home to Topeka, Carl began his rewarding 30-year career as a 2nd Line Engineer at Southwestern Bell Telephone Company where he met and fell in love with his wife, Shearlene (Comer) Tibbets. Carl and Shearlene married in 1976 and recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary.

Carl defined life as, Family is Everything. To his family he was the first to offer a helping hand with home repairs and words of encouraging advice. An avid gardener and woodworker, Carl spent his retirement years transforming his backyard into a haven for birds, plants and a quiet place to carve his woodcarvings. A constant presence in the lives of his children and grandchildren, Papa never missed a scouting activity, music concert or a chance to spend time together with those he loved. He taught his children the value of hard work, integrity and the importance of family.

Carl was preceded in death by his parents, Delbert and Betty Tibbets, his sister Roxanne Baldwin, and brother Dr. Daniel Tibbets.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 50 years, Shearlene Tibbets; his children, Brian Wilson of McAlester, Oklahoma and Amanda Price of Edmond, Oklahoma. Carl has seven grandchildren and eight great grandchildren. Carl also leaves behind his sister Kathryn Stark, brother Emmet Tibbets, his Aunt Sondra Kitzman, cherished nieces, nephews and lifelong friends.

A memorial service celebrating Carl’s life will take place on Friday August 14, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. at Matthews Funeral Home, 601 S. Kelly Ave., Edmond, Oklahoma.

We will be live streaming this service, to watch the service CLICK HERE to go to our YouTube page. Click on 'Videos', then 'Live Streams'.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made in Carl’s honor to the American Diabetes Association or World Wildlife Foundation.