Douglas R. Gipson

Douglas R. Gipson, age 77 years, of Monroe, Michigan, went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, December 17, 2024, in his home. Born June 29, 1947, in Kirksville, Missouri, Doug was the son of the late Preston Ordale and Wanda June (Dasch) Gipson. After graduating from Washington High School in Ceder Rapids, Iowa, Doug enlisted in the United States Marine Corps on August 24, 1965, and served as a Radio Operator in the Vietnam War. Doug proudly served his country until he was honorably discharged on May 25, 1969, at the rank of Sargent. While in Vietnam, Doug was known as the “Golden Gipper” as he was the only Radio Operator in his unit that returned home uninjured in 1966. For his heroism, he received the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnamese Service Medal with 2 Stars, Vietnamese Campaign Medal, Presidential Unit Citation and the Meritorious Mast Combat Action Ribbon. While serving in Vietnam, Doug was the subject of various portraits taken by the famous photojournalist, Larry Burrows. Those photos were later published in Time Life Magazine. On March 21, 1967, Doug married his beloved wife, Patricia A. Gipson (George). After his discharge from the Marine Corps, Doug built his career working in nuclear power energy. During the last 25 years of his career, Doug worked for DTE Energy from which he retired as Executive Vice President of Power Generation and Chief Nuclear Officer (CNO) in 2005. At the time of his retirement, Doug was the longest tenured CNO in the United States. He was greatly respected by his peers and those who worked with and for him – providing continued mentorship to young professionals into his retirement years. Doug was truly revered by all, and a friend to most. Baptized and confirmed in the Catholic faith, Doug was a devout member of St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Parish in Monroe, MI. Doug was also very civic minded and served on the board at Mercy Memorial Hospital, Monroe County Community College, United Way, and the Monroe Golf and Country Club. In his early years, Doug enjoyed playing golf, scuba diving, traveling, and snow skiing. Most of all, Doug enjoyed time spent with family and friends. Doug firmly stood by the principle that his family is his legacy and spent his life investing in their continued happiness, stability, and success. Doug is survived by his beloved wife of 57 years, Patricia, three loving daughters: Tamitha A. (Todd) Gipson – Goodnough of Monroe, MI, Michelle M. (Joseph) Michalak of Waterville, OH, and Amanda A. (Andrew) Gipson – Zukowski of Raleigh, NC, nine treasured grandchildren: Alexis (Charles), Preston, Brittany (James), Andrew (Ondrea), Todd Nicholas, Maxwell, Alexander, Anna Claire, and Anderson, five cherished great grandchildren: Kimberly, Felicity, Collins Grace, Raphael Douglas, and Harper Ann, and his brother, Bruce (Nancy) Gipson of Missouri. Visitation will be held on Sunday from 2 p.m. – 5 p.m. at Bacarella Funeral Home, 1201 S. Telegraph Rd., Monroe, Michigan, 48161, where the VFW Post 1138 will conduct military honors at 4:00 pm. On Monday, December 23, 2024, Doug will lie in state at St. Mary Catholic Church in Monroe from 10:00 am followed by Mass of the Resurrection celebrating Doug’s life at 11:00 am. Private entombment will be held at St. Joseph Cemetery in Monroe. “Heaven gained the Golden-Gipper!” Memorial contributions are suggested to St. Jude Children’s Hospital. Online condolences and special memories may be shared with the family by visiting the obituary page at www.bacarellafuneralhome.com

Douglas R. Gipson

June 29, 1947 - December 17, 2024