Douglas Michael Gibson, beloved husband, father, Pop, brother, and friend, passed away on October 25, 2026, at the age of 86.
Doug was born May 11, 1940, in Jefferson, Texas, to Waymon Richard Gibson and Doris Cates. He graduated from Marshall High School in 1958, where he was a gifted athlete, playing quarterback on the football team and baseball. He later attended Northwestern State University in Natchitoches, Louisiana, where he continued playing baseball.
Doug went on to proudly serve in the United States Navy aboard the USS Orleck, where he was distinguished as Honorman among more than 200 men. When his mother became seriously ill, he returned home to help care for her and his younger sister, Pam. Determined to complete his education, Doug later earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Business from Texas Tech University.
In 1968, Doug met the love of his life, Susanne, on a blind date arranged by their friend, Sherry Williams. They married on January 25, 1969, beginning more than 57 years of marriage rooted in love, family, loyalty, and faith. In celebration of their 30th wedding anniversary, Doug surprised his beloved “bride” with a renewal of their wedding vows, surrounded by their children and grandchildren—a treasured memory their family will forever hold dear.
Doug began his career in medical sales before moving into the apparel industry. His career took the family from Texas to Nebraska, Kansas, and Oregon before eventually bringing them back home to Texas. He found particular success and passion in the swimwear industry during his long career with Jantzen, Inc.
Doug brought the same energy, personality, dedication, and gift for connecting with people to his work that he brought to his life.
Doug loved traveling with his family, from the beaches of Mexico and tours through Europe to their cherished annual ski trips to Durango, Colorado. Those adventures created a lifetime of memories that his family will carry with them always.
More than anything, Doug loved his family. They were his greatest pride and joy, and he always showed up for the people he loved. His grandchildren held an especially treasured place in his heart, and he could never get enough of his “grandbabies.” Whether attending sporting events, shopping for school clothes, teaching them to drive, or proudly watching them graduate, being their Pop was one of the greatest joys of his life.
Doug was loyal, funny, talented, faith driven, and generous in spirit. He had the gift of gab, could tell a story better than just about anyone, and had a natural warmth that made people feel at ease. He loved deeply, laughed often, and lived a life centered on family, faith, and loyalty.
Doug was preceded in death by his parents, Waymon Richard Gibson and Doris Cates.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Susanne Gibson; his children, Kristi Gibson Pugh, Leslie Gibson Czarnecky and her husband, Greg, and Ryan Gibson and his wife, Tracie; his grandchildren, Lauren, Austin, Zack, Jake, and Owen; and his sister, Pamela Rachael Hewlett.
The family will receive friends during a visitation on Wednesday, November 4, 2026, from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. at Turrentine-Jackson-Morrow Funeral Home, 2525 Central Expressway North, Allen, Texas 75013.
A celebration of Doug’s life will be held Thursday, November 5, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. at Hope Fellowship Church, 1702 W. University Drive, McKinney, Texas 75069.
Doug will be laid to rest with military honors on Monday, November 16, 2026, at 11:30 a.m. at Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery, 2000 Mountain Creek Parkway, Dallas, Texas 75211.
For those wishing to honor Doug’s memory, memorial donations may be made to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN). Donations may be dedicated in memory of Doug Gibson by selecting “Dedicate this donation” and entering “Doug Gibson” as the honoree at pancan.org.