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.
