James M. "Mike" Hibst, age 65 of Bourbon, Indiana and formerly of Elwood, passed away at Lutheran Hospital in Fort Wayne.  Mike was born September 23, 1952 in Elwood, the son of Fred E. Hibst and Norma J. (Breece) Hibst.  He attended St. Joseph School in Elwood until the 8 ^th grade, and then attended Elwood Schools.  Mike was baptized in St. Joseph Catholic Church in Elwood early in life.  He later graduated from high school in 1970 in Fort Wayne, Indiana.  Mike worked as a Machinist at Zimmer Biomet Corporation in Warsaw for many years, and had recently retired from his position in 2017.  Earlier in life, he also worked at Airfoil Textron in Elwood for many years.  Mike was a proud member of the National Rifle Association, and was an avid hunter and fisherman.  He also enjoyed cooking; spending time with his dogs; and was a devoted Indiana University basketball and Texas Tech sports fan.  He was a loving son, father, and brother who will be greatly missed by all.

Mike's family legacy includes his father, Fred (wife Geri) Hibst of Elwood; 4 sons, Chris Hibst of Elwood, Chad (wife Michele) Hibst of Shelbyville, Andy (wife Michelle) Hibst of Elwood, and Jon Hibst of Bourbon and also stationed in Norfolk, Virginia in the U.S. Navy; siblings, Becky Sue Lantz of Fort Wayne, Tim Hibst of Elwood, and Kelly Klingler of Atlanta, GA; 5 grandchildren, Addison Hibst, Victoria Hibst, Drake Hibst, Hannah Hibst, and Zac Hibst; and several nieces and nephews.  Mike was preceded in death by his mother, Norma J. Kiefer; 2 aunts, Pat and Susie; and an uncle, Phil.

A memorial service celebrating Mike's life will be conducted at 7:30 PM on Friday, October 27, 2017 at Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home with Father Dan Duff of St. Joseph Church officiating.  Burial of Mike's ashes will take place in St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery in Elwood privately by the family.  Visitation for family and friends will be held from 4 to 7:30 PM on Friday prior to the memorial service at Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home.  Memorial contributions may be made to the Elwood Food Pantry at the Morrisett Center through the funeral home.