Born in Kennedy, Alabama, Hibbler received a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Illinois at Chicago in 1969 and a Juris Doctor from DePaul University College of Law in 1973.
He was in private practice in Chicago, Illinois from 1977 to 1981, returning to the Cook County State's Attorney Office from 1981 to 1986.
He was an associate judge, Cook County Circuit Court from 1986 to 1999, while also teaching as an adjunct professor in the Chicago–Kent College of Law from 1989 to 1999.
On January 26, 1999, Hibbler was nominated by President Bill Clinton to a seat on the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois vacated by Judge James Alesia.
Hibbler died Monday March 19, 2012 at age 65 after an unspecified illness.