Jerry M. Gipson

On Friday, May 22, 2026, Jerry Michael Gipson passed away in his home in Ellensburg. Jerry got to spend the last of his days in the comforts of home surrounded by his family. He is survived by his wife, sister, children, and grandkids.

Jerry was born on February 5, 1949 in Seattle, Washington to Roy D. & Alice C. (Anderson) Gipson. He lettered in wrestling while in high school and graduated from Renton High School in 1967. Shortly after graduation, he was drafted into the United States Army and served in Germany as a Radio Operator during the Vietnam War. He was honorably discharged as an SP4 in 1971.

Jerry spent many years working for the City of Tukwila and the University of Washington, primarily in maintenance roles that aligned with his skillset of plumbing and pipefitting. It was at the UW that he met his wife, Mercy, whom he often visited at the Burke Museum on campus. They married in 2008 and upon their retirement, they moved to Ellensburg.

Apart from spending time with his family and friends, some of his other favorite pass times were taking road trips with his wife and family, walking his dogs around the Irene Rinehart Riverfront Park, and meeting new people. Jerry is remembered as kind and altruistic to those he loved. He is also remembered by his love for nature and his advice to do something fun with your life.

Jerry’s funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 30, 2026 at the Chestnut Street Baptist Church. Viewing will be from 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. on Friday, May 29 at Johnston & Williams Funeral Home in Ellensburg. He will be laid to rest with military honors at 9:30 a.m. on Tuesday, June 2 at Tahoma National Cemetery in Kent.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Johnston & Williams of Ellensburg. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.johnston-williams.com