Richard L. Libby, age 83 of Clinton, passed away on Monday, September 16, 2024, at Arden Courts Memory Care in Austin, Texas. In following Richard’s wishes, cremation rites have been accorded. A gathering of family and friends will take place from 10:00 AM until 12:00 noon on Saturday, November 16, 2024 at the Pape Funeral Home. Following the gathering the family invites everyone to join them at Rastrelli’s for a luncheon.

Richard was born in Des Moines, Iowa on February 22, 1941. He was the son of Robert and Betty (Sandy) Libby. Richard graduated from Iowa City High School and received a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Iowa and a Master of Science from Northeast Missouri State University (now Truman State University). Richard married Sandra McClusky on August 13, 1966, in Clinton. Richard accepted a job with the Clinton Community School District in 1964 where he spent his entire career. For a handful of years, he was a middle school teacher, and then a guidance counselor until his retirement in 1999 after 35 years of service. Richard spent decades officiating football, wrestling, volleyball and soccer. In the summer, he worked with the CETA Summer Youth Work program, New Directions, and as a camp counselor at Cedars Camps in Lebanon, Missouri. Richard was a Big Brother in the Big Brothers Big Sisters organization. Richard always had time to play catch with his sons or coach their soccer and baseball teams. He was also the wrestling coach at Washington Middle School for a number of years and assistant coach of the Clinton High School soccer team for a stint. Richard actively volunteered for many years with various organizations such as the Clinton County Democrats, Clinton Symphony Orchestra, the Felix Adler Children’s Discovery Center, and the Bickelhaupt Arboretum. In retirement, Richard and wife Sandra enjoyed traveling, particularly exploring the Western United States including a memorable night sleeping in their car at the Grand Canyon. Other trip highlights were Great Britain, golfing in Scotland, the Caribbean, a trip through Scandinavia with son Jeff, as well as several trips to Austin, TX for South by Southwest. Richard was a member of the Church of Christ, Scientist.

Richard is survived by his son Jeffrey Libby and his partner, Lora Lee Tucker, of Austin, TX; granddaughter and adopted daughter, Kharma Libby, and her partner, Joey Hartshorn, of Orion, IL; great grandchildren Tatum Libby, and Atreus and Raven Marie Smith; brother Steven Libby of Cedar Rapids as well as several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife, Sandra; his parents; and son, Matthew. Memorials in Richard’s name may be made to the Felix Adler Children’s Discovery Center. Online condolences may be left at www.pa-pefh.com.

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