July 13, 1946 ~ September 23, 2021
Fran was born in Ruston, LA in Lincoln Parish, and graduated Quitman High School. During his career he worked for Hodge Paper Mill, Minden Shell Plant, returned to Hodge Paper Mill, Exxon Refinery in Baton Rouge as Instrument Tech and worked his way up to Maintenance Superintendent over the ROCC and OSCC (Refinery Operations Control Center) (Operations Services Control Center) over 47 ½ years, and he loved his job. Although, he wanted to make it to 50. During his career, he made so many close and special friends. Fran said he had been there long enough in those computerized buildings to see IBM come and go. He married high school sweetheart, Edna, on Feb. 18, 1967. He is survived by his wife, Edna Kay Johnson Tibbit, and daughters: Candice Darlene Boucher (Ronnie), Tassa Jeannice Avara (Brian), grandchildren: Courtney Megan Pennington (Jack), Whitney Paige Boucher (Durrell) , Brier Drew Avara, Brent Francis Avara (Abigail), great-grandchildren: Brodie Mariana and Dani Magnolia Pennington, Demi Grey Desira, Luke Aaron, Ian Alexander, and Samuel Joden Avara, and one Avara on the way. He is also survived by his brother Jess Willard Junior Tibbit (Barbara), sister, Brenda Gayle Tibbit Quarles (Jerry), and sister-in-law Shirley Ann Tibbit (Frank). He was preceded in death by: Brother Frank Henry Tibbit, and Parents Jess “Taw” Willard Tibbit and Leola Smith Tibbit. Visitation will be held at First Baptist Church of Livingston on Monday, September 27, 2021 beginning at 10:00am. Dr. Andrew Orr will conduct funeral services at 12:00pm. Burial will follow in Colyell Community Cemetery. He loved his family and adored his grandchildren. Fran loved the Lord. He was dearly loved for his genuine kindness, and to be pranked or picked at by him was his way of showing affection. Please sign the online guestbook at www.sealefuneral.com
16 comments
Sandra Pendry Rockett
October 13, 2021 at 5:31 pm
I will aways have fond memories of my first cousin, Fran. Though I did not know him as an adult, he was an inquisitive, mischievous, enterprising child. We had fun times at family gatherings at our grandparents home. He made my mother’s life much richer by calling and checking on her even though she lived in Ruston.
It is my regret that moved to Tennessee and was not able to maintain personal contact. We were always proud of the man he became. My church life group and I are praying for all of his family. I have a church prayer letter to send but I could not locate his address. I will continue to pray for strength and comfort in the days ahead.
Cindy Overman
September 30, 2021 at 5:30 pm
My heart goes out to Fran’s family. I know Fran from working at the Refinery. He was always so kind to me, as well as others. I am so sorry to hear of his passing, I thought he would have many good years of retirement. He was so good to so many people. I will have fond memories of him always.
Bob Loudon
September 27, 2021 at 5:45 am
So sorry to hear of Fran passing. We thought of him often as he was a great mentor. I will always remember when he would call, first thing he would ask was “what are you doing?” He liked sharing stories about his days in Hodge.
I know he loved his family and grandkids and will be missed by them. May he have peace through his faith and belief of eternal life. Rest in peace friend…
Wiz – Hommersåk Norway
Vincent Giaccone
September 26, 2021 at 11:50 pm
To the Tibbit Family, I lift each of you up as you grieve the loss of Fran. Fran was a kind and generous man who would help anyone in need. He had a good sense of humor and loved to joke around. When I first met Fran, I asked him how he spelled his last name; He’d say, T I B B I T. You can’t misspell it, cause it’s spelled the same way, forward or backward. He truly loved his job and the people he worked with. He will be missed by all who knew him. May God Bless and comfort each of you and give you peace. Vince Giaccone
Bob Wascom
September 26, 2021 at 2:24 pm
So many pleasant memories of Fran sticking his head in my office at ROCC. He was very likable and always friendly to others! Surely, he’ll be missed by all that knew and loved him. GREAT GUY!!!!
Vera Young
September 26, 2021 at 1:59 pm
Sorry for your loss he was a great boss.
Jim Duplantis
September 26, 2021 at 1:31 pm
Edna and family, I want to offer my sincerest condolences in the passing of Francis. I worked many years at the Refinery with him. I have some very treasured memories of those days. I want to pray for the Good Lord to Comfort you all at this difficult time. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.
Jim Duplantis
Janis and Donnie Miller
September 26, 2021 at 5:14 am
Please take our deepest sympathy in ur time of sorrow ! May God carry u through this. !!
Tammy Riviere
September 26, 2021 at 2:10 am
Edna, Don and I are so very sorry for your loss. We were so thankful to have spent time with you and Fran in Washington, DC. It was the best trip and I look back on it often. Fran was such a good guy and he will be truly missed. Love you Edna. If you need anything please let me know. Hugs and prayers to you and your family.
Sharon Vallery
September 26, 2021 at 1:42 am
Edna, Henry and I have an emptiness left by Fran’s homegoing. We have precious memories of the two of you praying and encouraging us every day. Knowing Fran was welcomed into Heaven by the Jesus he always served and proclaimed…we were so blessed in that God allowed our paths to cross!
Edna, we are praying for you and your family..praying for God’s strength and comfort for you all!
Henry & Sharon Vallery
Penny Lobdell
September 25, 2021 at 10:42 pm
My heart breaks for you Edna, I know losing Fran is like losing apart of yourself. You both were so blessed to have each other for so many years. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time. Praise God you know you will see your love again! Love you!
Brenda Quarles
September 25, 2021 at 6:11 pm
I loved this sweet man of God so much. I will miss his sweet calls, prayers, and funny jokes. He was always reaching out to others with encouragement and a kind word. Our hearts are broken but I am comforted to know he is with the God 8f all comfort. Give our little Madelynn a big hug. She is the little girl with the biggest smile on her face.
Brenda Quarles
September 25, 2021 at 5:50 pm
I have always been totally amazed by Fran’s genuine Christian love for others . I could count on his prayers and love. He always had a good joke or story to tell me. Words cannot convey how much I will miss his calls. He always considered others more important than himself. My heart is broken today. But my comfort comes from serving the same God that he followed. Thank you Fran for being a great example. One day soon we will meet again. Today I do hope you are hugging our little Madelynn and making her laugh with your funny jokes. You finally got to meet our precious little girl. Heaven is for real and I can only imagine the joy you are experiencing at this time. You and Jesus will have lots to talk about.
Barbara LaBove
September 25, 2021 at 5:30 pm
Brenda, I have such fond memories of you and Francis. I’m so sorry to hear of his passing. You and all of your family are in my thoughts and prayers. God bless and comfort all of you. Barbara LaBove and my husband Austin.
Isher caro
September 25, 2021 at 4:24 pm
So sorry for your loss . Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family .
Gary + Isher Caro 🙏🙏🙏
Judy Bauman
September 25, 2021 at 1:12 pm
Edna, Candice and Tassa, we can’t imagine how you’re feeling right now and we won’t pretend to know the loss that you’re experiencing. Please know that you’re not alone and we are just a phone call away. If you ever need any support or someone to talk to, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We love you all. Judy and Ken