John Wayne Tibbetts, Sr.

John Wayne Tibbetts, Sr. passed away February 7, 2026. His journey was one of dedication, adventure, and deep-rooted love for family and the land around him.
John was born April 23, 1941, to Chuck Tibbetts and Lois Robinette in the basement of the home he has lived in for much of his life. He married the love of his life, Mira Culpepper, September 2, 1969, in the Elko County Court House. They lived in Elko for a few years where they were raising their daughters Kerrie and Tracey.

John and Mira eventually moved back to Caliente where John went to work for Frank Scott, and for the Grocery store in Caliente where he worked as a butcher.

ventually John was hired at the Caliente Youth Center where he devoted nearly four decades of his professional life to serving the State of Nevada. He worked at both the Caliente Youth Center and the Nevada Youth Training Center (NYTC) in Elko, where his commitment left a lasting impact on those he worked with and mentored.
After retiring from state service, John continued to contribute to his community and environment by working for the Bureau of Land Management. He served as a lookout on Ella Mountain and transported smoke jumpers during many fire seasons—roles that combined his love for the outdoors with his enduring sense of duty. His time spent at the lookout was especially meaningful to him.

Beyond his work, John had a passion for the wild landscapes of Nevada. He loved trapping and hunting, pursuits that connected him deeply with nature. He also enjoyed bottle digging and collecting old tokens—hobbies that reflected his appreciation for history and discovery.

John was a devoted husband to Mira Tibbetts and a proud father to: Kerrie McCarty, Tracey (Kenny) Weideman, Christie (Dale) Budreau, Johnny (Laura) Tibbetts, Joshua (Gloria) Tibbetts, and Justin (Ashley) Tibbetts. His legacy continues through his grandchildren: Chelsea McCarty, Brandon Harding, Tiffani Triplett, Brody Triplett, Logan Decker, Brittani Tibbetts, Landen Budreau, Brianna Tibbetts, Kaden Weideman, McKinley Tibbetts, Jameson Tibbetts, Eivin Patricelli, Arieanna Patricelli, and Madelyn Patricelli; as well as his great-grandchildren: Cloey Glassburn, Wyatt James Laleman, Cason Glassburn, Camdyn Glassburn, Emmitt John Harding, Brantley Decker, and Grafton Decker.

He was preceded in death by his father Chuck Tibbetts; Mother Lois Robinette; and brothers: Lyle Tibbetts, Jerry Tibbetts, and Alvin Tibbetts.

John was one of a kind—a husband, dad, grandpa, brother, and friend whose presence brought strength and warmth to those around him. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

May his memory bring comfort to those who loved him.