Saturday morning, Sept. 26, Kim Herman received the phone call every mother fears, her son had been in an accident and did not survive.
Her son was Kaleb Libbert, 20, a recent graduate of Russellville High School, where he played baseball and basketball. He went on to join the U.S. Army's Military Police, until a recent medical discharge. He was a member of the Mt. Olive Baptist Church, a psychiatric rehab tech at the Fulton Hospital, and a firefighter in training with the Russellville-Lohman Fire Protection District.
Libbert was a "best friend" and "big brother" to many youth in the community.
In the days that have followed the small community of Russellville, population 807, reached out to Kim and her family. The community consoled the family and each other for Kaleb was a special friend to many.
Expressions were made with food, cards and special gifts brought to the home.
The afternoon of Saturday, Sept. 26, the Lady Indian softball team played in his memory, wearing Kaleb's baseball number (#14) on their wrists. They also circled with their opponents and prayed for Kaleb's family and friends left behind.
Every event that would follow throughout the week, from the junior high basketball girls to the high school baseball team, circled and prayed before their contests.
Friends gathered at the school and designed "RIP #14" on the baseball fence, as well as leaving flowers and other remembrances. Others wrote their thoughts on his Facebook page or designed T-shirts or decals to honor him.
At 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 30, a multitude of people lined up at the Russellville High School to pay tribute and respect to Libbert. His mother, Kim Herman, and brothers Cory Libbert, Josiah Herman and other family and close friends greeted each visitor.
Adam Kennedy, a member of the baseball team, along with the school resource officer, Deputy Joe Matherne, organized a candlelight vigil on the baseball field, following the visitation.
The baseball field was packed with many who came to honor this admirable youngster, who lived life to the fullest and never met a stranger.
Deputy Joe, Mt. Olive Baptist Church Youth Minister Mike Nichols, the fire district chief and crew members, his brother, Cory, as well as others testified to the true friend and role model Libbert was to everyone. The common denominators in each testimony were his giant smile, unforgettable bear hugs, how much he would be missed and the assurance they had to see him in heaven.
The group had a moment of silence followed by the release of balloons, the lighting of candles, and special songs.
At the end of the service, directly across Route C at the Lions Club Field, fireworks were set off in his honor. It expressed what Kaleb had said, he always wanted to go out with a bang!
Mt. Olive Baptist Church overflowed Thursday, Oct 1, as over 600 people attended his funeral. The sanctuary was full by 9 a.m. with the funeral not beginning until 10:30. The church had closed-circuit TV in the basement for additional seating, while others lined the walls and overflow area of the church.
The music was chosen by his best friend Kyle Peek and brother Cory to honor Libbert's life.
Pastor Alan Earls shared the plan of salvation, as well as, special fond memories of Libbert. He encouraged people to continue "Kaleb's Hugs," as he described the giant bear hugs that Kaleb gave to everyone.
Peek shared many memories and thoughts from his heart about the special friend Kaleb was to everyone, but especially to him.
Nichols read his eulogy and commented on how strong Libbert's faith was in God.
His pallbearers were high school baseball teammates Clayton Thompson, Clayton Meyer, Ryland Johnson, Chase Smith, Nick Haslag and Tanner Morrow. With honorary pallbearers being Kyle Peek and Ethan Miller.
From the church, his casket was transported by the fire engine to Enloe Cemetery, followed by a procession of more than 200 cars. Firefighters stood at attention, saluting while all passed the fire house.
During the burial service, attended by hundreds, Earls and Nichols shared prayers and scriptures, followed by Russellville-Lohman Fire Chief Chris Cinotto making a presentation to Libbert's mother. Then, the last call for Libbert went out on the fire department radio, thanking him for his service to the community.
The road sign at his church, Mt. Olive Baptist, read "Kaleb Lee Libbert, Now Playing on God's Team, 1995-2015."
A meal for his family and friends was served to many, following interment.
The fire district will host a bake sale Friday, Oct. 9, to benefit Libbert's family.
A softball tournament has been organized for Saturday, Oct. 10, to raise funds to assist his family.
And, in-memory T-shirts are being sold.
The last message to go out from Kaleb Libbert@klibbert14 - "Don't worry, i'll always be there when you least expect it. When no one else is, i promise i'll be there. You sit in my heart forever.#family