Lester William Howard Sibert

CW4 (Ret) Lester William Howard Sibert, 79, of Overland Park, Kansas, closed his final flight plan on January 7, 2024, at KC Hospice House.

Les was born on February 7, 1944, to Lester Henry and Charlotte (Preston) Sibert in Kansas City, Missouri where he spent his childhood.

Les began his fascination with flying and learned to fly at the Johnson County Executive Airport. His lifelong love of flying began there in the mid-1960s.

Les retired from the U.S. Army after 25 years of service as a Huey helicopter pilot, instructor pilot, and TAC officer. After serving in Vietnam, Les served as a Medical Evacuation Pilot at Ft. Hood, Texas and transported many babies and patients to Texas area hospitals.

He volunteered to serve in Vietnam and flew with the Transportation Company and the 282nd Black Cats during his tour.

He earned his B.A. in Chemistry and Biology from Drury College, Springfield, MO in 1978.

On December 24, 1967, he married Janice L. Sibert (Hankey). Together they lived an adventurous life moving every few years wherever the Army sent them. As a family, they lived in Missouri, Alabama, Germany, Washington State and later Overland Park, Kansas where he retired from the military in 1994.

Two children, Sarah Anne and Brandt Preston completed their family until their grandson Kaleb Laurence William joined the family circle in 2002.

Les was taught to play poker at a very young age by his grandmothers and was an avid lifelong poker player. He added to his winnings during his tour in Vietnam and enjoyed his weekly poker games with many friends at the Isadore Hoehn VFW, American Legion Post 370, and American Legion Post 153. His other hobbies included fishing with his grandson, playing chess, and daily neighborhood walks where every neighborhood dog was given treats. Les had a great sense of humor, a welcoming smile and loved to tell stories of his life and passions. Les has never met a stranger and enjoyed offering advice on stocks and bonds and everything in general.

Patriotism was very important to Les who served as the former Treasurer of the Conservative Republicans of Southern Johnson County. For many years, he attended and proudly held the flag at the beginning of the meetings.

Les is survived by his loving wife, Jan, their children Sarah Sibert of Lakewood, Colorado, Brandt Sibert of Leawood, Kansas, and grandson Kaleb Kuebler of Lakewood, Colorado. He is also survived by his brother, David Sibert (Melissa) of Olathe, Kansas, his sister-in-law Terri Anthony (Robert) of Brady, Texas, and many nieces, nephews and grand nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Charlotte Sibert and Lester Sibert, Sr. and sisters Dolores Lawrence, Leatha Pauley, and Helen White.

Les cherished his family, loved talking to his neighbors and friends and enjoyed spending time with them. He also spent several years volunteering as a tax aide with AARP.

As so many have said to our family, he was "a good man."

Memorials are suggested to two of his favorite charities, the Tunnels to Towers or The Gary Sinise Foundation which honor America's military and first responders.

To view a livestream of the service, click here.

To leave a message of condolence for Lester's family or to share a special memory of him, please visit the guestbook below.