Dave Hybarger passed away at his residence in Fallon, April 9, 2008, with his wife at his side.
Dave was born May 3, 1929 in Lindsay, Okla. to Homer and Ivy Hybarger. As a small child the family relocated to Rifle, Colo., where Dave spent his early years. In 1951 he moved to Reno, where he owned and operated the contracting business of Dave Hybarger & Son Drywall, for a period of close to 50 years.
After retirement from his contracting business, he chose to continue working in the ranching and cutting horse industry at his residence. Dave was one of the founding members of Nevada Reined Cow and Cutting Horse Association and Western Nevada Cutting Horse Association. He served and guided both associations that remain vibrant today.
Dave's commitment to the cutting horse industry was evident in his major role as a founder of The Nevada Cutting Spectacular, which developed into one of the elite aged events within the cutting horse industry. He also produced the very first Snaffle Bit Futurity in the State of Nevada. The event was held in Elko in the early 70's.
Dave's main passion in life was his beloved family. His second passion in life was developing great cow horses and mentoring others (especially youth) on improving their horsemanship skills.
Dave served in the U.S. Navy as a seaman first class in the Pacific at the conclusion of World War II.
David is survived by his wife, Gayle of Fallon; sons, Gordon and Will Hybarger of Reno and Steven Stanton of Utah; daughters, Gaylene Lowry (Mike) of Fernley, and Genese McDowell (John) of Mt. Shasta, Calif.; sister, Billie Mae Freemonth (Elwyn); brothers, Jerry Hybarger (Marlene) and Homer Hybarger all of Reno; stepchildren, Russ Ferretto of Fernley and Cindy Ferretto of Reno; five grandchildren and one great-grandson.
A celebration of Dave's life will be 1 p.m. Wednesday at Smith Family Funeral Home, 505 Rio Vista Drive, Fallon. Viewing will begin at 11:00 a.m.
Burial with military honors will follow at the Churchill County Cemetery.