Obituary for Gordon J. Bibby Bibby, Gordon James, age 91, passed away June 9, 2018. Gordon James Bibby was born on February 17, 1927 in Minneapolis, MN to the late Chester and Melvina Bibby. He was the loving husband of 65 years to the late Juanita, who passed in 2016.
Together they had 5 children: Karen Bibby (James Searfino), Mark (Sue) Bibby, James (Stacy) Bibby, Dawn (Chris) Guida, and Heather (Craig) Owen. He was the loving and proud grandfather of Jessica (Phil) Reinartz, Rebecca Bibby (fiancé Donnie Thompson), Kyle (Missy) Bibby, Kevin Bibby, Andrea (Zachary) Shultis, Erin Guida, Sarah Guida, and Makenzie Owen (fiancé TJ Davis). Gordon was also the proud great-grandfather of 2: Winston Gordon Reinartz and Colton James Shultis.
Gordon was a WWII veteran of the United States Navy, where he served from 1944-1946 as a Signalman 2nd class, in the Asiatic-Pacific Theater on 4 ships. He was active in the American Legion serving as post commander for American Legion Berkley Post #374 from 1952-1954. Gordon worked as a Quality Control Specialist for the Chrysler Tank Division, retiring after 42 years.
During his early years he owned and flew a Stearman plane, and loved racing 1/4 mile Mudracers. He was also a founding member of the StageCrafters community theater group along with his wife Juanita. He had a strong commitment to family and community.
During retirement he was very active in the Royal Oak community: he was a graduate of the Royal Oak Police Department Citizen Police Academy, and served on the Royal Oak Crime Prevention Council, where he was president for 5 years. One of Gordon’s favorite volunteer jobs was putting on the “McGruff the Crime Dog” costume for 14 years, and marching in the Royal Oak parades, visiting the local schools and working with the D.A.R.E. programs.
He was president of the South Point Neighborhood Association. He could be seen under the Royal Oak police department tent during Dream Cruise. Gordon was honored to receive the Royal Oak Citizen of the Year in 1999.
Gordon traveled all over the world for work, but it was safe to say his favorite recent memory was traveling on the 19th Michigan Honor Flight to Washington D.C. in 2008. He spoke often about spending the day with other WWII veterans while visiting the World War II Memorial and Arlington cemetery. His children and grandchildren appreciated this wonderful man for his love and dedication to his family and community.
He will be greatly missed, but not forgotten. Visitation will be held Wednesday, June 20, from 3-8 pm with Funeral Thursday, June 21, at 11 am at the Wm. Sullivan and Son Funeral Home, 705 W. 11 Mile Rd.
(4 blocks E. of Woodward), Royal Oak, MI 48067. Burial will follow at Oakview Cemetery, Royal Oak. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Honor Flight Michigan (www.
honorflightmichigan.com) or the American Legion Berkley Post #374 (www. berkleypost374.org) in honor of Gordon’s service and love for his nation and for his fellow veterans. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Gordon J. Bibby please visit our Sympathy Store.
Upcoming Events Visitation 2018 JUN 20. 03:00 PM – 08:00 PM Wm. Sullivan and Son Funeral Directors-Royal Oak 705 W. Eleven Mile Road Royal Oak, MI, US, 48067 Order Flowers for the Visitation Guaranteed delivery before Gordon’s Visitation begins.
Funeral 2018 JUN 21. 11:00 AM Wm. Sullivan and Son Funeral Directors-Royal Oak 705 W. Eleven Mile Road Royal Oak, MI, US, 48067 Order Flowers for the Funeral Service Guaranteed delivery before Gordon’s Funeral Service begins.
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