Vincent F. Hiebsch Jr.
November 4, 1920 ~ July 4, 2007
Hiebsch, Jr., Vincent F., 86, peacefully passed away surrounded by his family on July 4, 2007. he was born November 4, 1920 in Wichita, Kansas, the only child of Vincent F. and Edith Lucile Hiebsch. Service will be at 11:00 A.M., Monday, July 9, at University Congregational Church, Wichita, Kansas. Vince graduated from East High School in 1938. Upon his graduation, 13 of his classmates formed the Last Mans Club. The 14 members would meet once a year and the tradition continued through the past 69 years. The Last Mans Club annual meeting became “bitter sweet” with Vince being one of the last two surviving men. He attended University of Kansas from 1939 to 1942. He left KU to join the Army Air Corp and was a pilot during World War II. Vince flew a C46 Cargo plane over the “hump”. The “hump” was a flight from India to China over the Himalayan Mountains. After a short business venture with his brother-in-law, Vince became an independent oil and gas lease broker. He enjoyed traveling western Kansas and negotiating with land owners. In 1969, Vince formed Vincent Oil Corporation and was President until his retirement in 1995. His son, Richard, who was in business with him for 25 years, has continued the business. Vince was a member of many civic and social organizations including Downtown Rotary Club, Wichita Crime Commission, Wichita Petroleum Club and Crestview Country Club. Vince was preceded in death by his first wife of 57 years, Geraldine Powell Hiebsch. He is survived by his current wife, Melba Hughes Hiebsch, his son, Thomas L. Hiebsch, son and daughter-in-law, Richard A. and Vicky A. Hiebsch, grandchildren, David Vincent Hiebsch of Costa Mesa, CA and Darcy Victoria Hiebsch of Olathe, KS and also his “second” family, son and daughter-in-law, Stephen and Maryann Hughes of Overland Park, KS and their 4 children; daughters and sons-in-law, Mindy and Tom Page and their 2 children of Wichita, KS and Marilyn and B. W. Hoecker and their 3 children of Columbia, MO. In lieu of flowers, memorials have been established with Harry Hynes Memorial Hospice, 313 S. Market, Wichita, KS, 67202 the Wichita Childrens Home, 810 N. Holyoke, Wichita, KS, 67208 and The Lords Diner, 520 N. Broadway, Wichita, KS, 67214. Downing Lahey Mortuary East.
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Please accept our deepest condolences for your family’s loss.
I was very sorry to read of the passing of Vince. I always felt we had a nice friendship. I remember playing for several years in a tennis group at Crestview with Vince and having pleasant conversations before and after our games. Over the years we discussed or made a deal in some phase of the oil business where both of us spent most of our active business lives. Whether we were able to conclude a deal or not, I knew I was dealing with a gentleman. Please accept my sincere sympathy for your great Loss. His pleasant smile and kind words leave a true memorial.
Dear Rick, I am sorry about the passing of your father. I got to know Vince when we played league tennis together at WCC a few years ago. Vince was very cordial to me. It was always easy to engage him in a conversation about the oil and gas business or the financial markets. He always seemed genuinely interested in what I was working on, even tough we were only briefly acquainted. Vince exuded style, class and confidence. One Winter night, Doug Mcginnis Jr. and I played Vince and Fred(I can’t recall Fred’s last name) in a 3-set match. Doug and I were in our late 40’s and Vince and Fred were both 80 something. As I recall, Doug and I won the first set rather easily. Vince and Fred then mounted a comeback for the ages, and won the 2nd and 3rd sets. Beating Doug and I by itself would never be considered a great tennis feat however, the way in which they came from behind and ran down every ball like a couple of teenagers was amazing and fun to watch. They did everything except ‘dive’ for the balls. You should have seen them ‘high-fiving’ and grinning like they ‘owned us’. Seeing the joyous expressions on their faces after they kicked our butts was almost worth the ‘agony of defeat’. That night, your dad and Fred taught me that 80 could be the new 60. Your father as well as my father(even though my father is a little younger), are truly part of the ‘Greatest Generation’. Their generations integrity, determination, toughness, and perseverance(I saw all of those in your father on that fateful night) contributed a lot to what is great about America. Living through the Depression, WWII, The Korean War, then building the post-war prosperity that we all enjoy today, molded men like Vince and his generation which created the base for most everything that is good about America. We are loosing this generation all too quickly and they are irreplaceable. It is our task as sons and daughters of Vince’s generation to try and emulate their lives and achievements and furthermore attempt to pass down their many outstanding qualities to our children. I have a lot of respect for your father. My condolences, Kevin Davis
Dear Rick and Vicky and family, I was so sorry to learn of Vince’s death in this morning’s paper. He was such a delightful man! I have memories of his affiable nature. He was always so positive, upbeat, and warm. He always had a smile and entertaining story to share. I know what a difficult time this can be for you, but hold on to the many wonderful memories you have of him, for they are a permanent part of you, and will always be there for you to enjoy. Know that you and yours are in my thoughts and prayers. Fondly, jinx saggau moore
Sorry about your loss. Didn’t see much of Vincent in recent years but remember a good man with integrity. Lost my dad about 30 days ago so I can relate.
To Rick … and all the family of Vincent Hiebsch… our condoloences during this time of sorrow. Our prayers are with you for the comfort of the Lord to fill you and ease the pain in your heart from the death of your loved one. God’s peace be with you all — Chuck and Kathy Latham
You have our sympathy in the passing of Vincent, a long time friend and acquaintance.
I WAS SAD TO LEARN OF YOUR FATHER’S DEATH. HE WAS ALWAYS FRIENDLY! I WILL PASS THIS ALONG TO MY BROTHER, JAMIE. SINCETELY, RIC KNORR