Gregory Lee Tibbetts

Gregory Lee Tibbetts, 73, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family on September 1, 2026, following a 10-month battle with Stage IV cancer and MPE. Throughout his illness, Greg faced each challenge with remarkable strength and a positive attitude. He rarely complained, remained kind and appreciative to those caring for him, and never lost the sense of humor that defined him. He was still cracking jokes on the final day of his life.

Greg was born December 15, 1952, in Columbus, Ohio, to the late Mark “Tommy” Tibbetts and Daisy “Bitty” Coffman Tibbetts. He proudly served his country in the United States Army during the Vietnam era, attaining the rank of E-5. Greg served in a missile unit with assignments in Florida and Korea and had the unique experience of serving alongside his brother, Mark.

Throughout his career, Greg worked as a kitchen and bath designer for Sears and later owned his Matco Tools business. Greg was remarkably handy and seemingly had a tool for everything. Over the years, he built porches on more than one of his homes and had a hand in building much of the Galena home he and Lisa shared.

On April 18, 1975, Greg married the love of his life, Lisa Brooks. During their 51 years of marriage, they built a life centered around God, family, friendship and laughter. Greg adored Lisa and often told her how lucky he was to have her. Those closest to them knew the wonderfully playful side of their marriage and just how much they loved making each other laugh.

Greg was a devoted father to his daughters, and a proud “Pawpaw”. He loved sharing what he knew with his grandsons—teaching them to fish, swing a golf club or baseball bat, play the guitar, and spending time together over games of chess and backgammon. He was kind, dependable and generous with his time, showing his family how much he loved them in countless everyday ways.

Greg loved making people laugh and rarely missed an opportunity to joke around or act silly for a camera. An avid golfer and lifelong Ohio State fan, he could often be found dressed in scarlet and gray. He enjoyed sports, war movies, music, animals and a good nap. He was a master at solitaire, made a mean batch of fried potatoes, appreciated a freshly cut lawn, and was rarely far from potato chips or cookies. Greg also enjoyed a little adventure—in his 50s, he took up motorcycle riding, often with Lisa riding along behind him, and fulfilled a bucket-list dream of owning a Corvette.

More than anything, Greg loved his family. His kindness, humor, patience, helping hands and quiet acts of caring will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew him.

Greg is survived by his beloved wife of 51 years, Lisa; daughters Cassie (Justin) and Rachel (Stephen); grandsons Caleb and Connor; brother, David Tibbetts; sister-in-law, Lorna Thacker; niece Shari Taynor (Bryan); as well as extended family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Tommy and Bitty Tibbetts; his brother and fellow Army serviceman, Mark Tibbetts; and his beloved parents-in-law, Haywood and Mabel Brooks.

Greg attended Genoa Baptist Church, where funeral services will be held on September 13th, 2026.. 7562 Lewis Center Rd., Westerville, OH 43082. Visitation will be at 3:00pm, service at 4:00pm and a reception to follow.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Greg’s memory to the Humane Society of Delaware County or the American Cancer Society, honoring his love of animals and his courageous fight against cancer.