TO THE CHAPTER INVISIBLE
this union, of 63 years, a son was born, William Henry Tibbs V. After arriving in New York, he became a carpenter and eventually started a construction business while building his family home. Once completed, Bill and Marie wel- comed all from near and far throughout the years as they continuously sought to enhance their home with love and com- passion. Bill and Marie always looked forward to family visits from their son and daughter-in-law, especially when their grandchildren, Celia and Will, were born. Bill went on to teach at Alexander Ham- ilton High School for 20 years in Elms- ford, New York and served as Assessor of the Village of Elmsford for two years. He also was elected Trustee for the Village of Elmsford and served in that position for six years. Bill continued to serve in local politics as Vice President of the Westchester County Elected Village Officials Association. He also served six years as Deputy Fire Commissioner of the Village of Elmsford. Bill was a West- chester County Democratic District leader for the 28 th Election District for many years. He remained committed to his passion for construction by becom- ing the Assistant Building Inspector with the Town of Greenburgh, New York. In later years, Bill was an avid family histo- rian and an important participant at the Alford family reunions. Bill was a proud and dedicated member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. He, among eleven other members, chartered the New Rochelle-White Plains Alumni Chapter on December 9, 1972. Over many years, he served in many capaci- ties such as Chapter Chaplain, Dean of Pledges, and Chapter Advisor for the Iota Rho Chapter at Fordham Univer- sity. Bill also served the chapter as Vice Polemarch, Polemarch, Member of the Board of Directors, and also Historian of the Northeastern Province. His dedica- tion and commitment to the chapter and the province resulted in him being recognized as Historian Emeritus for the Northeastern Province. In 2010, Bill was awarded the James M. Kidd Distin- guished Service Award which serves as
the highest honor a member can achieve within the Northeastern Province. Bill is currently a member of the Greens- boro (NC) Alumni Chapter where he received the Polemarch's Recognition Award in June 2020. He proudly shared that the family was probably one of the largest within the fraternity at some point in time since his father, both brothers, son, grandson, uncles, neph- ews, and cousins all have been initiated over the years. As a life member, Bill dedicated himself in many ways as a re- spected and honorable brother of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc. Left to cherish his memory is his wife Emma Marie Tibbs formerly of Elms- ford, NY but currently lives in Kerner- sville, NC; son William Henry Tibbs V (Gloria) of Kernersville, NC; grand- daughter Celia Marie Tibbs of NC; grandson William Henry Tibbs VI of NC; brothers John R. Tibbs (Diane) of Peekskill, NY; Joe C. Tibbs (Ruth) of Owasso, Oklahoma; niece Barbara Evans of Elmsford, NY and a host of extended family, friends, and fraternity brothers.
His career would lead him to work as an Oral History County Coordinator, Insur- ance agent, Assistant Evaluator, and a Sportswriter. He was employed for 28 years in various positions at Dallas-Sel- ma Community Action Agency, his last as Director of Head Start. Brother Vasser spent a lifetime working in his community, helping, and support- ing others to improve their lives. This lifetime passion began at the tender age of 10 when he began his quest for equal- ity and justice; actively participating in mass meeting, marches, and non- violent protests in support of the Civil Rights Movement in Selma, Alabama. A life-long fighter for equal justice under the law, he was a man of many talents including being a motivational speaker, writer, poet, singer, mentor, and youth program event organizer. He was known as the Neighborhood dad for hundreds of children, allowing his home to become a haven for children to relax, play videos games, eat, engage in sports, and openly share their ideas and thoughts. In 1976, Brother Vasser became a char- ter member of the Theta Phi Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. at Troy State University. He was part of the Historical Twenty (H20) which was the first African American Fraternity on the campus. On August 22, 1979, he became a charter member of the Selma Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fra- ternity, Inc. He became a life member of his beloved Fraternity in 1996 where he served with honor and distinction. As a member of the Selma Alumni Brother Vasser served as Polemarch, Vice- Polemarch, Historian, Reporter, Board Member, Kappa League Advisor, and the Annual Selma Bridge Crossing Jubilee Golf Tournament Chairman. The Broth- ers will miss his dedication and unwav- ering approach to all challenges, as well as his ability to push others to take a “can do” attitude to conquer them.
Larry D. Vasser 1935-2020 Father, Civic Leader
Larry Donnell Vasser was born on January 31, 1955 to Rosa Vasser in Dallas County, Alabama. He transitioned to Chapter Invisible
on August 08, 2020. He was a loving husband, father, brother, uncle, cousin, and friend. Through Brother Vasser, God gave us a man with a heart of gold, a giv- ing spirit, and a man of great faith and character. In 1973, Brother Vasser graduated from Selma High School, attended Troy State University where he received a Bachelor of Science Degree in English with Writ- ing Arts Emphasis in 1977 and in 1998, a Master of Science in Human Resource Management.
Brother Vasser is survived by his devoted
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