Robert L. ‘Bob’ Gipson, age 97 passed away peacefully on Wednesday morning, Dec. 28, 2022 at Morning Pointe Senior Living in Franklin. He was a resident of Brown County.
Bob was born Sept. 22, 1925 in Salem, Ky., to the late George L. and Myrtle V. (Hunt) Gipson. He was a 1944 graduate of Shady Grove High School in Crittenden County, Ky. Bob went on to serve as a Private First Class with the C-Company Regiment 2nd Infantry Division and the 3rd Army 5th Infantry Division for the United States Army during World War II. He was a decorated solider earning 2 Bronze Stars, a Purple Heart and a World War II Victory Medal. After returning from the war, Bob re-enlisted into the United States Air Force where he served as an Airman First Class. He was a proud veteran and in 2016 was awarded the French National Medal of Honor.
He retired in 1987 as a Tool Maker for Ford Motor Company in Indianapolis after 20 years of service. Bob was a member of the Nashville Masonic Lodge and later transferred his membership to the Morgantown Masonic Lodge where he served as a Past Master. Other memberships include: American Legion Post in Nashville, Nashville VFW, Scottish Rite in Indianapolis and the Morgantown Eastern Star. He was also a member of Bear Creek Church in Brown County and enjoyed fishing and woodworking.
Bob is survived by his loving wife of 73 years, Dolores M. (Clark) Gipson, whom he married on March 5, 1949 in Henderson, KY. He is also survived by his children, Kathy Gipson of Brown County, Debra (Rex) Lovett of Elkhart, Robyn Lawlor of Nashville and Robert D. Gipson of Sellersburg; 12 grandchildren, 18 great grandchildren and four great-great grandchildren; and was admired by many nieces and nephews.
Bob was preceded in death by siblings, Edna Easley, Marcella Workman, George, Ray and Denver Gipson; son in law, Richard Lawlor; and great grandson, Jacob Robinson.
The Rev. John Parsley will conduct a funeral service at 1 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 30 at Meredith-Clark Funeral Home Cremation & Personalization Center, 179 E. Mulberry Street in Morgantown. Friends may call from 11 a.m. until service time on Friday at the funeral home. A Masonic Service will be held just prior to service time on Friday. Burial will be at East Hill Cemetery with military rites presented by the United States Army and the Brown County Honor Guard.
Memorial contributions may be made in honor of Bob to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.meredith-clark.com.
