Lieutenant Commander Devin Lynn Hibbitts (Ret, USN)
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Lieutenant Commander Devin Lynn Hibbitts (Ret, USN), a dedicated servant of our nation, who departed this life, leaving behind a legacy of honor and commitment.
Born in Bonne Terre, MO to Alice Sloan and Gary Ross, Devin graduated from West Plains High School in 1989 where he acquired many friends, competed as an athlete, and worked at Nuway Supermarket. Following graduation from High School, Devin enlisted in the U.S. Navy as a cryptologist, quickly proving himself to be an exceptional leader and technical expert, swiftly moving up the ranks to Petty Officer First Class. He was accepted into the Navy’s Enlisted Commissioning Program and went on to earn a Bachelor of Science from North Carolina State University, commissioning as an Ensign in December 2001. Upon retirement from the Navy in 2017, he continued to serve his country with the National Security Agency for several more years in San Antonio, Texas.
Over his three decades of distinguished service, Devin served as an Information Warfare Officer and Naval Aviation Observer, undertaking various challenging assignments across the globe, including Japan, Alaska, Texas, and numerous combat deployments in Iraq, Afghanistan, and across the Horn of Africa. He was a true patriot who loved his country deeply, led by example and fought fiercely for his sailors. Devin was a lifelong friend, mentor, and role model to many who donned the uniform.
Proud of his roots, Devin often reminded those around him that he was from the “Show Me State.” He was tough as nails, and his determination and resilience were second to none. Former bull rider and rodeo clown sums up his grit. But most knew Devin for his generous spirit, always willing to lend a hand to those in need, whether it was fixing a truck, bike or tractor. You name it, he was up for the task and asked nothing in return. In his spare time, Devin enjoyed riding Harleys with his friends and tinkering with his hot rod classic trucks.
In 2019, Devin reunited with High School friend and former Nuway Supermarket coworker Missy Franks, before returning home to West Plains, MO in 2020. Devin and Missy were married in 2021, when he gained a loving step son Jacob Petrus.
Devin will be remembered for his dedication, leadership, friendship, and the countless lives he touched during his remarkable journey. He is survived by his devoted wife, Missy Hibbitts, who stood by his side through the toughest of times, embodying the love, joy, and support he cherished to the end.
Other survivors include one son, Jacob Petrus and fiancé Makenna Snodgrass, West Plains; his mother, Alice Sloan, Sea Drift, Texas; his father, Gary Ross, Bonne Terre, Missouri; one brother, Damon Keough, Pomona, Missouri; one sister, Dawn Slack and husband, Ryan, Nashville, Indiana; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Dennis and Barbara Franks, West Plains; one brother-in-law, Denny Franks, West Plains; one sister-in-law, Sonya Stauffer and husband, Andy; niece, Kiah Van Veen; nephew, Seth York; two special nephews, Will and Sam Stauffer; many friends; and special companion, Ruby.
His maternal grandparents, James and Pearl Sloan preceded him in death.
Funeral services for Devin Lynn Hibbitts will be held at 2:00 p.m., Sunday, December 29, 2024, in the Rose Chapel at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Visitation services will be held from 1:00 until 2:00 p.m., Sunday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Burial will be in Howell Memorial Park Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to ALS Association in honor of Devin and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775.
Billy Moore
December 27, 2024 @ 8:59 am
Devin was a great friend . I have many fond memories of him. A large group of us used to ride our
Harley’s through the Texas hill country every weekend. He was like a little brother to me. we all made the trip to Sturgis world famous motorcycle rally in 2005 . Its all the pleasant memories that help get through the grieving process LOVE YA Little Brother RIP and ride on.
Jessica Joice-Frazier
December 27, 2024 @ 1:22 pm
True Life American Hero!! His dedication to his country, to his special wife and family was 0 to none!
He fought the good fight! He WON the race and now he wears his crown he deserved!!
You will be missed, Devin!
AnnaMarie Brauer
December 27, 2024 @ 1:28 pm
As I don’t know Devin but prayers for his family. And I thank him for his service to our country
Janet and Darrell Parker
December 27, 2024 @ 3:29 pm
Missy,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. I wish I could have thanked him in person for his incredible service to our county!
I am so glad you made his last years so special.
Janet and Darrell
Wanda L. Hunter
December 27, 2024 @ 3:04 pm
Missy so sorry for your loss, Hugs and Prayers!
Dale Wayne Rhoades Jr.
December 27, 2024 @ 5:40 pm
Devon was one hell of a man I’m gonna miss you, brother. It was an honor to know you and to be able to call you, my friend.
Beverly (White) Kelly
December 27, 2024 @ 7:01 pm
I am so sad to read this. I did not know Devin, but I grew up with his father, Gary Ross. Devin sure looked like Gary.
He must have been a wonderful man!
Thankful for his military career.
My sincere condolences and prayers to his family.
Tim and Tracy Reed
December 27, 2024 @ 8:41 pm
Missy, our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Anne Cochran
December 27, 2024 @ 10:03 pm
Missy, my heart aches for you. I did not know Devin but I always heard good things about him from your mom. You are in my thoughts.
Todd Keeling
December 28, 2024 @ 10:33 am
Devin was a true and honorable shipmate, and as close a friend as to be considered family. His presence in our lives made an impact, not only at work in the professional and dedicated manner in which he carried out his duty, but at the personal level in how he graciously interacted with every person he encountered. His ability to converse and relate with everyone in his sphere was an amazing gift, and will forever leave a lasting impression on all who were blessed to know him. May he live on in our memories, and continue to inspire us all as we endeavor to persevere. Fair winds and following seas, Devin… Love and miss you, brother!
Todd Keeling
December 28, 2024 @ 3:23 pm
Devin was a true and honorable shipmate, and as close a friend as to be considered family. His presence in our lives made an impact, not only at work in the professional and dedicated manner in which he carried out his duty, but at the personal level in how he graciously interacted with every person he encountered. His ability to converse and relate with everyone in his sphere was an amazing gift, and will forever leave a lasting impression on all who were blessed to know him. May he live on in our memories, and continue to inspire us all as we endeavor to persevere. Fair winds and following seas, Devin… Love and miss you, brother!
Tanna Perrin
December 28, 2024 @ 7:45 pm
I met Devin at the famous Cowboy bar in Helotes about 20 years ago. I used to play pool a few times a week there with my boyfriend. One night, I went to get us some drinks and some guy got into the line about the same time as I did. I looked at him and he said, you go ahead, ladies first. And I said, wow, thank you, your Mom must have raised you right. 20 yrs later, it makes perfect sense that he said that to me, not knowing me that night. He was a good man that was polite and if you were lucky enough to get to know him and be his friend, you were his forever friend. He respected every friendship he had with so many people. And oh, how he had friends. His hilarious free-spirited personality just drew people to him. He was the life of the party wherever he went. But I learned so much more through the years of knowing him. He was the most dedicated, patriotic, hardworking, brave hero who served his country no matter what. He loved protecting his country. I would say that’s a definition of a warrior. And then somewhere around 2019, he met his match at his high school reunion. The love of his life. Another strong warrior. Missy, you were his everything. You made his difficult journey so safe. I truly send you prayers and hugs for your great loss. He was your soulmate for sure. Devin, Rest now, you are in peace. I’ll remember you forever. Thanks for friendship.
Jamie Johnson
December 28, 2024 @ 11:34 pm
My heart just broke in pieces when I got the news about my good friend Devin. You couldn’t help but smile every time you saw Devin, it was always fun to see who would be the first to crack a joke which was usually something about a broke down Chevy truck. I would always call him Lieutenant Dan and he would smile ear to ear. He was a friend to many and was always willing to lend a helping hand and would never accept anything in return. I met Devin back in 2003 while we were both station at Lackland AFB and I will always cherish those memories made throughout the years and think of him every time I hear an old Merle song. Until we meet again….we will always be thinking of you
Robert
December 29, 2024 @ 11:51 am
Devin – Thank you for the life and leadership lessons. You were a great leader and a good friend. Fair winds and following seas shipmate.
Karen Harbison
December 29, 2024 @ 12:50 pm
I’m so very sorry for your loss.
Prayers for all.
Karen Harbison
Dianna Duffel
December 29, 2024 @ 3:04 pm
Missy, I’m so sorry for the loss of your husband, Devin. He must have been a special young man who was loved by many. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this sad and difficult time.
Blake Henderson
December 29, 2024 @ 4:02 pm
Devin was a great mentor to me during my first assignment in the Navy. As I approach retirement, I still rely on lessons that he taught me many years ago. Fair Winds and Following Seas, shipmate. Until we meet again.
Charley Ball
December 29, 2024 @ 6:48 pm
Alice, Damon, Dawn, and family, so sorry to hear about Devin. I remember Devin from his time at Koshkonong school and I thank him for his tremendous service to this great country. I’m praying for you all during this difficult time.
Elizabeth Balboa
December 30, 2024 @ 7:55 am
Devin was a very good friend mine. He was my dancing partner. I loved watching him and his mom dance. He loved to listen to the Merl. We are gonna miss his smile his jokes his toast and most of all him. Rest in peace Devin (Just a good ol’ boy) My condolences to his wife and family. My condolences to his mama Alice
Freddie Foutz
December 30, 2024 @ 8:37 pm
Devin made an lasting impression on me from when I worked under his leadership. I took the advice and lessons I learned from him to help me during Naval career. He will truly be missed. My condolences to wife and family.
Mark
January 2, 2025 @ 6:25 am
My deepest condolences for the loss of Devin. He was a great leader that always had a friendly smile and a calm demeanor. I served with him at NIOC TX and I still carry the lessons that he taught me to this day. I’m saddened by his loss and hopeful that we will all honor his service to our nation. Fair winds and following seas shipmate.
Ed Strong
January 5, 2025 @ 4:48 am
My deepest condolences to family and friends.
RIP Shipmate. Fair winds and following seas.
Timothy Veith
January 16, 2025 @ 7:02 am
I met Devin through a mutual friend as he and I both have Navy ties. We talked about our experiences and travels and we for sure crossed paths in someway or another. It was great for our retired minds. Rest well Sir. Fair Winds and Following Seas.