David Rodney McKibben

It is with profound sadness that we share the passing of David Rodney McKibben, beloved husband, father, son, brother, and friend, on October 8, 2026. Dave was born on November 30, 1969, he was 56 years old. Born to James Rodney and Charlotte Gaskin McKibben of Williamsburg, Ohio. He is survived by his loving wife of 29 years, Crystal; his daughter, Olivia; his mother, Charlotte; his twin brother, Dan McKibben (Laura); his brother, Mike McKibben (Pat); and his sisters, Pam Taylor, Debbie Ach (Christian), and Vicki Rowland (Jeff); along with many beloved nieces, nephews, extended family members, and lifelong friends who will forever carry his memory in their hearts. Dave was preceded in death by his father, James Rodney McKibben, a niece, Amy Taylor, a brother-in-law, Dave Taylor, and a nephew Micheal Shackelford. Dave was a devoted family man whose greatest treasures were his wife, Crystal, and their daughter, Olivia. Dave leaves behind a legacy that cannot be measured by accomplishments or possessions, but by the people he loved, the lives he touched, the friendships he cherished, and the faith he held so firmly. His earthly life was marked by perseverance, hard work, love, friendship, compassion, and unwavering faith. Dave was a hardworking and dedicated project manager for ABR Construction, Inc. He was deeply committed to his work and to the people he worked with. His dedication was extraordinary; he continued working even while undergoing treatment and on days when he simply was not feeling well. He took great pride in his work and in doing things the right way. Dave loved deer hunting at the farm, fishing trips to Canada, but mostly spending time with his buddies, making memories and sharing the camaraderie he valued so deeply. Dave also had a special love for dogs, especially Labrador Retrievers. His best boy, Buck, held a special place in his heart and was his beloved companion. Dave’s gentle nature and compassionate spirit extended to his dogs, and the love and bond they shared brought him great joy throughout his life. Dave was also an avid Ohio State Buckeyes fan and never missed an opportunity to cheer on his beloved Buckeyes. Dave was a man of deep and abiding faith. Through the many trials he faced, his faith in Jesus remained steadfast. He found peace in knowing where he would spend eternity. His hope was not in this world, but in Jesus Christ and the promise of eternal life with Him. That faith carried him through more than anyone should ever have to endure and gave him peace that could not be shaken. For more than 11 years, Dave courageously battled colorectal cancer. Throughout that journey, he faced countless treatments, procedures, surgeries, setbacks, and challenges with incredible strength and determination. Yet even in the hardest moments, Dave continued to fight—not simply for himself, but for the time he could have with his family and the people he loved. Cancer never defined Dave. His faith, love, friendships, gentle spirit, and determination defined him. Dave and his family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to the many physicians, nurses, specialists, caregivers, researchers, navigators, and medical teams who poured their hearts and countless hours into his care. We are especially grateful to the teams at Baptist Health, CSGA, Norton Hospital in Louisville, KY, Sarah Cannon Research Institute in Nashville, TN, UK Hospital, UK Markey Cancer Center, and Bluegrass Care Navigators. Their tireless efforts, compassion, expertise, guidance, and determination to help heal Dave and give him more time will never be forgotten. To every person who cared for Dave, advocated for him, guided us through difficult decisions, offered encouragement, or simply held our hands during the hardest moments, thank you for fighting alongside Dave and our family. Your dedication gave us more time, more memories, and more moments together than we may not have had. We will forever be grateful. Until we meet again, we will hold tightly to the love, memories, laughter, friendships, and faith that Dave gave us so freely. “Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his faithful servants.” — Psalms 116:15. Funeral Arrangements: on Wednesday October 14, 2026 at 2:00pm at the Chapel at Southland Christian Church; graveside services will follow at Bluegrass Memorial Gardens. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, October, 14th from 10:00-2:00 at the Chapel at Southland Christian Church. Pallbearers will be Dan McKibben, Mike McKibben, Christian Ach, Jeff Rowland, Michael McKibben, Jacob McKibben, Nick Stamm and Jake Follis. Honorary Pallbearers will be Randy Walker, Michael Ach, Galen Daihl, Kevin Flanagan, Rusty Hedick and Greg Handman. In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations to the following:

David R McKibben Memorial Scholarship C/O Dan McKibben, Williamsburg High School, South Fifth Street, Williamsburg, OH 45176. Checks payable to Williamsburg Local Schools.

Bluegrass Care Navigators 1733 Harrodsburg Road, Lexington, KY 40504.

 “Where a beautiful soul has been, there is a trail of beautiful memories.” This obituary was lovingly written by the family. All arrangements are under the careful direction of Hager and Cundiff Funeral Home, and we would like to express our deepest sympathy to the McKibben Family and friends.