Obituary for Stephen Boyd Hibbard (1979-2021)

Barbourville, Ky. – Mr. Stephen Boyd Hibbard, 42, of Hinkle, Kentucky, passed away Friday evening, August 27, 2021, at his home.  He was the son of the late Boyd Hibbard and Betty Mills Hibbard Baker, born on May 15, 1979, in Pineville, Bell County, Kentucky.

On June 6, 2006, he united in marriage with his soul mate, Rebecca Liford Hibbard and one son, Jaxon Marshall Hibbard, was born.

In addition to his father, Boyd Hibbard, Stephen is preceded in death by his grandparents, Robert and Lillie Smith Hibbard, and Homer and Ethel Mills.  A host of special aunts and uncles also preceded him in death.

Survivors include his loving and devoted wife, Rebecca Liford Hibbard, son, Jaxon Marshall Hibbard, Mother Betty, and stepfather Gerald Baker of Barbourville, one brother, Daniel Hibbard and wife Amber of Flat Lick, KY., niece Kylee Hibbard and nephew Camden Hibbard, as well as Ashton Smith and Lauren Smith, whom he loved like nieces.

Additionally, Stephen is survived by his loving Liford family: Wayne and Debbie Liford, Maggie Liford Albrecht and husband Kenneth, Max Albrecht, Rachel Liford, Chad and Dalton Gregory, John Liford, Robert Liford, Jack, and Loretta Irwin all of Hinkle, KY., and his special adopted family, Dr. Paul Pedersen, Anne, Lauren, Kristen, and Sarah.

Stephen had several jobs growing up, but his love was his Barbourville Independent School Family where he was a teacher and a coach of various sports.  Being a University of Kentucky graduate, he was an avid lover of all University of Kentucky sports, especially football, and all other outdoor sports and activities.

Stephen was a long-time dedicated member of Scalf Chapel Church with a heart to help those in need and those less fortunate.  He also attended Central Baptist Church in Corbin, where he loved singing in the choir.  Anyone that ever knew Stephen, loved him, his amazing smile and special heart.

All services for Stephen will be held at the Barbourville Independent School Gymnasium on Tuesday August 31, 2021.  Visitation for Stephen’s Barbourville Independent School family will be from 4:00 PM until 5:00 PM followed by a visitation for the greater community from 5:00 PM until the funeral hour of 7:00 PM.  Reverend Clay Bishop, III, Reverend Sean Disney and Reverend Keith Lawrence “Buster” Liford will officiate.  Musical Tributes to be performed by Tommy Frazier and the Christian Pilgrims.  Casket Bearers are Daniel Hibbard, John Liford, Robert Liford, Chad Gregory, Allen Stamper, and Rodney Stamper.  Honorary Casket Bearers are Steve Chaffin, Sam Creasy, Mike Deaton, Chris Jones, Tony Lacefield, Nick Liford, Josh McDermitt, Shane Sizemore, Kenneth Albrecht and all others that knew and loved him.  Stephen will be laid to rest at a private graveside service at the new Mooneyham Family Cemetery in Hinkle, KY.

The Hibbard family extends a special thank you to the Barbourville Independent School Family, Corbin Independent School Faculty and Staff, Dr. Bidros and staff, Dr. Pederson, Bluegrass Care Navigators, aunts, uncles, cousins, and all extended family and friends.

In lieu of flowers, the family request that donations be made to the Knox County Cancer Patient Fund in memory of Mr. Stephen Boyd Hibbard.

The Hopper Family, Victoria Hopper and Sally Hopper, our Directors, Bonita Bingham Creech and Robin Reese, and our staff express our sincere condolences to the family and friends of Mr. Stephen Boyd Hibbard.

During the ongoing pandemic, we strongly encourage everyone attending services for Mr. Hibbard to wear a mask and maintain a social distance of six feet apart.

Hopper Funeral Home, Inc., established over 100 years ago, is in charge of servicing all arrangements for Mr. Stephen Boyd Hibbard.