Dr. Thomas E. "Tom" Bibler, 79, of Chattanooga, died on September 24, 2016, peacefully in his sleep.
Tom was born in Muncie, In., on Dec. 7, 1936. He graduated from Burris High School in Muncie and received bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Stanford University and a doctorate in education from Ball State University.
Tom married Nancy Ann (Fisher) Bibler on June 15, 1958 in Muncie; they were married for 58 years.
Tom moved to Chattanooga in 1970 to become a member of the faculty at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. As a professor at UTC for 32 years, Tom held a variety of roles, including director of Student Teaching and head of the Teacher Preparation Academy. He also served as president of the faculty council and as Marshall at commencement for many years. He was instrumental in the creation of the UTC Faculty Club.
Tom was very active in community, civic and educational organizations in Chattanooga and throughout Tennessee. He was a past president and longtime board member of the Tennessee ACLU; past president and longtime board member of the Tennessee Council for the Social Studies; and past president of the Southeast Regional Council for the Social Studies.
Tom continued his active civic involvement after retiring from UTC, serving multiple terms as President of the Fort Wood Neighborhood Association and as a Red Cross Disaster volunteer and training class instructor. He continued to supervise student teachers, taught classes in English as a Second Language, served as treasurer of the Chattanooga JFK club, served as officer of Elections for the Hixson precinct for more than 20 years, served on the board of the UTC Retirees Association, was an active member of the Sister Cities program, was heavily involved in local Democratic organizations and served on many other local boards and civic committees.
Tom is survived by his wife, Nancy Bibler; his two children, Joe Bibler, and his spouse, Jennie, Judy Bibler and her spouse, Michelle; three grandchildren, Kevin, Sara and Meghan; his brother, Dr. Richard Bibler and his spouse, Doris; many nieces and nephews; and the rest of his family and friends.
Tom was preceded in death by his parents, Dr. Henry Bibler and Marie Bibler; his two brothers, Robert Bibler and his spouse, Mary Margaret, and John Bibler; and his son, Andy Bibler.
A celebration of life will be held from 2-4 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 8, at UTC University Club, 801 Oak Street, Chattanooga, Tn. 37403.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be given to the UTC Scholarship Fund or Hospice of Chattanooga.
Arrangements are by the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory and Florist, 5401 Highway 153, Hixson, Tn.
Please share your thoughts and memories at www.chattanooganorthchapel.com.