Larry Eugene Hibbler

Larry Eugene Hibbler, age 73, of Humble, Texas, went peacefully to the Lord, on Sept. 19, 2024. He died of natural causes and complications from gastrointestinal surgery. He was born on May 20, 1951, in Houston, to Bernhard (Ben) Hibbler and Flora (Sue) Johnson Hibbler. 

His Southern roots were deeply planted in Texas and Mississippi. He could trace his paternal ancestry to Germany and his maternal ancestry to the first American settlers. His great-grandfather, Darius Gandy Johnson, fought for the 27th Mississippi Infantry Regiment, during the Civil War. Larry attended Houston public schools and graduated from MacArthur High School. He later attended Lone Star College for air conditioning maintenance.

Larry will be remembered as one of Houston’s finest blues and country music guitarists. He began playing at local dance halls and honky-tonks in his teens. He played four nights a week for much of his career. His most cherished guitar was a red Gibson, given to him by his mama in 1967. His longest-running band was The Nashville Express.

In addition to playing lead guitar, Larry sang a handful of tunes in his deep, mellow voice. He often inserted a few hidden, playful lyrics of his own. The songs included: 14-carat Mind by Gene Watson, Forever and Ever Amen by Randy Travis, Amarillo by Morning by George Strait, Boogie Shoes by KC and the Sunshine Band, and I’d Love to Lay You Down by Conway Twitty. Once, while attending a performance in New Orleans, he was invited onto the stage. Displaying his typical cool vibe, he played Eric Clapton and stole the show. 

His favorite songs included: I Wouldn't Change You if I Could by Ricky Skaggs, Color my World by Chicago, and Time in a Bottle by Jim Croce. Despite his profession, Larry rarely drank even one beer, and he never touched an illegal drug. He continued playing music until declining health prevented him from doing so. 

In addition to his love of music, Larry worked as an independent AC-repairman for many years. He had an incredible 3D memory and was technically gifted in all fields of electro-mechanics; so much so that, during his lifetime, he never took his car to a mechanic. The one task Larry avoided was woodworking, and his tool collection lacked saws. This was because he did not want to risk damaging his guitar-picking fingers.

In his earlier years, he enjoyed cane-pole fishing with his mama, and hunting quail on his daddy’s family farm near Sealy. He once shot a rattlesnake while hunting, which he kept on display at his home. He was an enthusiastic collector of firearms and Snap-On tools. His favorite TV shows were All in the Family, Andy Griffith, and Laurel and Hardy. He owned the entire collection of each show.

Larry enjoyed good food. He ate very slowly, and, amusingly, would often lie on the carpet while eating. He loved going to the original Shipley’s Do-Nuts on North Main Street in Houston. His favorite restaurant was the Barbecue Inn, which he had visited since early childhood. At home, Larry cooked delicious etouffee, fried shrimp and oysters, salmon croquettes and homemade doughnuts. He was the caretaker of many family heirlooms, photographs, and 8mm movies, which he lovingly displayed in his home. After purchasing a video camera in the 90s, Larry diligently recorded his children’s milestones.

Despite being tall and powerfully built, Larry was a gentle giant who always did the best he could for his family. At age 65, he could still lift a truck axle. He spoke slowly and purposefully, had a wry sense of humor, and absolutely lived life on his own terms. He was a Christian man whose only wish was to be buried next to his beloved mama, and reunited with her in heaven. One of his favorite Bible verses was Psalm 23.

Larry died at home, in the care of his loving family. He is survived by his children: Lorie (Bruce) Orzechowski, Canyon Lake, Texas; Connie (Gary) Carter, College Station, Texas; and Larry Keith Hibbler, Lake Jackson, Texas. He is further survived by his dear friends Anneshia Turner, New Caney, Texas; and Jose Ibarra, Humble, Texas; brother Maurice (Sonny) Scardino, Gulfport, Mississippi; and grandchildren Hannah, Cheyanne, Morgan, Keagan, and Savannah. He was preceded in death by his mama and daddy, and his brother Andrew (AJ) Scardino. His burial service will be held graveside, at Brookside Memorial Park, Section E, on Sept. 25, at 11:00 a.m.