OAKLAND – On March 28, 2022, Cleba Rodney Libby (1935 – 2022), son of Clarence and Della Witham Libby, husband to Shirley Roberta Merithew Libby, of Oakland, Maine, passed away peacefully while surrounded by family. Cleba was a kind, mild-mannered, humble man who never drew attention to himself; A man of great integrity with a strong work ethic who was loved and respected by all who knew him. He was a man of deep faith who emulated the love of our Savior in all of his actions. As a husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, friend, and co-worker, he will be greatly missed. He grew up in Oakland, Maine, and resided there his entire life; Attended Williams High School where he was very active in sports as well as student government and clubs, participating in football, basketball, and baseball, especially excelling in gymnastics. Cleba postponed attending college to marry his high school sweetheart Shirley Merithew and became father to four children, Cynthia Jean Libby Pierce, Peter Allen Libby, Kimberly Lois Libby Harper, and Mark Christopher Libby. For the first 10 years of his married life Cleba worked at the North Wayne Tool Co. in Oakland, Eustis Furniture in Winslow, and Roberts Brothers Paint Co. in Waterville. At the age of 30 he decided to get that college degree and attended the University of Maine in Augusta and Orono while working part time at the University, with the help of Shirley’s employment. He received his Bachelor of Art degree as a teacher of high school History and Art in 1970. Upon graduation he was offered a position at UMA as Head of Physical Facilities, managing the University’s buildings and grounds. A position that when he retired was divided into several positions. For many years he managed the University art displays as well as teaching night classes of pottery and furniture refinishing. Cleba also designed and built the original exercise trail behind the University campus. All of this while being a devoted husband and father. Over the years Cleba was a very active member of the United Baptist Church in Oakland serving as Sunday School Teacher, Youth Group Leader, Deacon, and Advisory Board member, willingly helping others, especially his children as they became adults. In 1972 Cleba and Shirley purchased a camp on Messalonskee lake which the family moved to each summer. After a few years of roughing it, Cleba and Shirley decided to replace the camp with a year-round home. He and Shirley designed a passive solar house and built it themselves. They were determined to do it without borrowing money. It took several years to complete but they owned it free and clear. Cleba was meticulous in his workmanship. Their home is a great tribute to his expertise and attention to detail. As an artist Cleba enjoyed pottery and wood carving. He loved the peacefulness of nature and took his family on many camping and hiking trips. He also had a love for boating, snowmobiling and motorcycle riding, making family life fun. Cleba was predeceased by his mother, Della Witham Libby, and brother Burleigh (Sonny) Libby who were taken from him in a tragic car accident at the age of 14, Later in life he lost his brother Clair Libby, father Clarence Libby, stepbrother Clarence (Leroy) Libby, stepmother Julia Zimba, and sister Linda Libby Howard. Cleba is survived by his wife Shirley Merithew Libby of Oakland, brother Glen Libby of Dexter, daughter Cynthia married to James Pierce of Madison, son Peter married to Diane Gilbert of Sidney, daughter Kimberly married to Samuel (Lee) Harper of Madison, and son Mark married to Julia Ray of West Valley City, Utah. Twelve grandchildren, Joshua Higgins, Kimberly Higgins Fitzgerald, Krista Higgins Firmage, Michael Higgins, Mikayla Libby Gilbert Poulin, Samuel Harper, Caleb Harper, Luke Harper, Josiah Harper, Ethan Harper, Leah Harper, Addison Libby, and twelve great grandchildren. All who will miss him dearly but look forward to a wonderful reunion with him as he greets us from heaven. Visiting hours will be from 4 to 6 p.m. on Saturday, April 2, at Wheeler Funeral Home, 26 Church Street in Oakland. A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. on Sunday, April 3, at Oakland United Baptist Church, 45 Church Street in Oakland with Rev. Jay Wilson officiating. Burial will be later in the spring at Lewis Cemetery in Oakland. Arrangements are in the care of Wheeler Funeral Home, 26 Church St., Oakland, where condolences may be shared with the family on the obituary page of the website at http://www.familyfirstfuneralhomes.com.In lieu of flowers, donations in Cleba’s memory may be made to Oakland United Baptist Church,45 Church Street,Oakland, ME 04963.

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