BATH — Charles (Sonny) Henry Tibbetts, 79, U.S. Air Force (retired), of Bath, died peacefully Tuesday, July 22, 2014, at Mid Coast Hospital.

He was born in Augusta, Maine, on Aug. 6, 1934, son of Elmer Sr. and Ruth S. (Burnham) Tibbetts.

Charles married Barbara (Barbie) Ann Hudson on March 6, 1954. They celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary this year.

He grew up in Georgetown, attending Georgetown School and Morse High School. In August 1952, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force, where he advanced to the rank of Senior Master Sergeant. He served as an avionics and instrument specialist. While in the Air Force, he was stationed in Labrador, Georgia, Maine, Greenland, Kansas, Japan and Arizona. He retired in June of 1973 after a distinguished 20-year career.

He was then employed as an appliance and refrigeration technician by several companies including Sears, Emery Waterhouse and Brunswick Naval Air Station. He ultimately opened the C.H.Tibbetts Company and was well known and sought after as an expert appliance repairman. In 1978, he earned his bachelor of science in general management from New Hampshire College.

Mr. Tibbetts was elected to the Bath City Council in 1982 and proudly served for 20 years. He presided as Council Chairman and Vice Chairman for several terms during his tenure. Councilor Tibbetts served on the city’s Planning Board, Bath Bridge Advisory Committee, Bath Housing Authority, Finance Committee, and many other committees.

As a boy he spent time clamming at Sagadahoc Bay. He was a longtime past member of the Bath Elks. He enjoyed fishing at Bay Point, deer hunting, watching the Red Sox, and most of all spending time with his family. Many summer trips were taken to Bar Harbor with his wife, and her sister Nancy and friend Pat.

He is survived by his wife Barbara of Bath, his children: Robert Tibbetts of North Hanover, N.J., Vicki Rose and her husband JR of Bath, Terri Soule and her husband Daniel of Phippsburg, his grandchildren: Sheri Ramsey of Bath, Becky Ramos and her husband Marcus of Naples, Fla., David Moore of Bowdoinham, Justin Tibbetts and his wife Amy of Hamilton, N.J., and Jason Tibbetts and his wife Jennifer of Sicklerville, N.J., and his great-grandchildren: Taylor Ramsey, De’Anthony Echols, Amaya Ramos, Dylan Moore and Clayton Moore. In addition, he is survived by his brother Elmer Tibbetts and wife Noreen of South Portland, and his sister Donna Dodge and husband Allen of Durham, Maine. Charles loved, and was loved by his extended Hudson family who embraced him as a brother and uncle.

Visiting hours will be held on Monday, July 28, 2014, from 4 to 6 p.m. at David E. Desmond & Son Funeral Home, 638 High St., Bath. The funeral service will take place at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, July 29 at the funeral home. A burial with full military honors will follow.

To share your thoughts and condolences with the family, please visit www.desmondfuneralhomes.com.