McKibben was born on April 1, 1940, in Virginia, Illinois.

He was a deputy district attorney of Douglas County, Nevada from 1969 to 1971.

He was a judge of the Ninth Judicial District Court of the State of Nevada from 1977 to 1984.

[2] McKibben was nominated by President Ronald Reagan on September 28, 1984, to the United States District Court for the District of Nevada, to a new seat created by 98 Stat.

He was confirmed by the United States Senate on October 4, 1984, and received his commission the same day.