Douglas M. Gibson

DOUGLAS MCLEAN GIBSON, 64, of Springfield, passed away at OSU East Medical Center on December 24, 2023. Doug was born on May 13, 1959, in Springfield, OH, the son of the late George W. Gibson and Florence (McLean) Gibson. 

A graduate of Springfield Catholic Central High School and Ohio State Barber College, Doug was the owner of Gibson’s for Hair, and a founding member and drummer in well known local rock bands, Scram and New Music. Additionally, Doug was a loved fixture at his wife’s dance studio for over 40 years.

Doug is survived by his wife of 40 years, Sonie Gibson; siblings, Bill (Jeanne) Gibson, Monica (Jay) Spencer, Andy (Lisa) Gibson; brother-in-law, Todd (Lisa) Horton; sister-in-law, Missy (Jeff) Ambrusko; nieces, Courtney (Brian) Wayne, Molly (Alex) Meddock, Jordan Ambrusko, Taylor (Caleb) Moore, and Brenna Horton; nephews, Brian Gibson, Jonathan (Marissa) Hodapp, and Jeffrey Ambrusko. He was also the coolest great uncle to Gibson, George, and Jude Wayne, Rosie and James Meddock, and Olivia and Charlotte Hodapp. Doug was blessed with a lifelong best friend and bandmate, Jeff Sandow, and numerous, cherished Gibson and McLean cousins. 

In addition to his parents, Doug was preceded in death by mother and father-in-law, Angela and Harry Peare, Sonie’s grandmother, Mabel Lemley, and his furry best bud, Vince.

Doug’s talents were many. His sense of humor, legendary; his memory, incredible; his musicianship, remarkable. More incredible than all of this was Doug’s attitude and amazing stoicism in a lifelong battle with Type 1 Diabetes.  His appreciation for the doctors and nurses who saved his eyesight, transplanted his organs, and saved his life, over and over, knew no bounds. In 2013, a miracle occurred when Doug’s wife, Sonie, was a match for his second kidney transplant. Years later, when faced with his new reality of living as a double amputee, Doug figured out a way to get back behind his beloved Gretsch drum kit. He never complained or asked, “Why me?” Doug’s life was an inspiration to many. 

To honor Doug’s memory and continue his legacy of badassery, take in some great live music and talk with your family about organ donation. A celebration of Doug’s life will be held for family and friends at RiverSong Church at 3660 Springfield Jamestown Rd, Springfield, OH 45502 on Saturday, January 20th. Visitation will take place from 2-4pm, followed by a celebration of life service at 4pm. Arrangements by CONROY FUNERAL HOME.