David Edward Wibert

December 10, 1947- July 29, 2024

David Edward Wibert was a selfless, hard-working, family man who always put the needs of others ahead of his own. Born in the city of Joplin, Missouri on December 10, 1947, he moved to California at a young age where his parents raised all 7 of the Wibert children. He graduated from Orange Glen High School and quickly enlisted in the U.S. Navy, as the Vietnam War raged, serving from 1965-1969 where he served as Aviation Ordinance in the Fighter Squadron as a “Red Shirt”. During his Navy service he served one tour in Vietnam and served a majority of his time at sea where he travelled to Hawaii, Singapore, Hong Kong, Philippines, Sasebo, Japan, and North Korea. He received the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with Four Bronze Stars, Republic of South Vietnam Campaign Medal with Device, and the Navy Unit Commendation Ribbon with One Bronze Star.

After his service in the Navy, his service to others and the community continued. He graduated with an associate’s degree from Mt. Sac in Police Science. On March 27, 1969, he joined the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department as a Deputy Sheriff. He worked out of the Temple City Station. Working in various roles such as in the jail, on patrol as a street cop, in the narcotics unit, as a detective in the night car, working the L.A. riots, and ended his career as a robbery and assault detective. He was a great partner who always cracked a joke and made work light. He was the best at what he did and was a hard worker who really loved his job. On January 20, 2003, he retired as a Detective Sheriff.

In 1981 he met his sweetheart, Lydia, and they were married June 18, 1982. In 1988 they moved to Fontana, CA, where they would raise their family and establish their home. David was the best father. He was involved in everything that his children were involved in. After his retirement, he learned how to do taxes and did so many people’s taxes because he loved to help others. He became involved in his community and the Fontana Senior Center, where his favorite things were the lunches and the Vets Club. He served as secretary on the Fontana Foundation of Hope for several years where he was part of many community projects. Some of his favorite hobbies included crossword puzzles, watching his favorite game shows, The Price is Right and Family Feud, listening to his country music, and watching crime shows with his wife. He was an avid sports fan, watching all sports games, especially the L.A. Dodgers. He also loved the New York Yankees and the Kansas City Chiefs. He loved a good home-cooked Mexican meal with fresh salsa. As a grandfather he was the best and as a father he taught us everything we needed to know and supported his wife in everything she did.

David’s personality brought warmth and joy to everyone. If you knew him, you loved him. He was known for his compassionate nature, giving spirit, and great sense of humor. David was a deeply loved husband, father, grandpa, brother, uncle, cousin, and friend. He has been a rock to all of us and has created a strong foundation for our family. On July 29, 2024, we suffered a great loss as David left this earth. He is preceded in death by his parents, sisters, Vicky and Frances, and his two granddaughters, Natalie and Eleanor. He is survived by his beloved wife Lydia, his children, Kimberly, Michael (Sherri), Mark (Amanda), Frank (Maria), Manuel, David (Janette), Jennifer (Darius), Daniel (Regina), and Michelle (Albert), his grandchildren, Ariel, Heidi, Derek, Wesley, Gretchen, Bowdrie, Raylen, Kit, Penelope, Ilaiasi, Henry, Albert Jr., Frank Jr., Issac, Joseph, Richard, and Zafira, his brothers, Bill and Donald, his sisters, Sharon and Maryann, and three great grandchildren.