Dr Donald J Bowersox PhD

Lady Lake, FL, formerly of East Lansing

Dr. Donald J. Bowersox passed away Monday, July 4, 2011 at Munson Medical Center in Traverse City, MI at the age of 78. Don was born on July 27, 1932 to the late John and Kathryn (Flask) Bowersox in Youngstown, OH. The family moved to Lansing, MI where Don graduated from Lansing Eastern High School in 1950.

Don attended Michigan State University, was a member of the ROTC and Sigma Chi Fraternity and graduated in 1954 with a B.A. in Political Science. Following graduation, Don proudly served his country in the United States Air Force as a pilot achieving the rank of Captain. During this time he developed a life long love of aviation, and he continued to fly for many years.

He married Carol Jean Anderson in 1954 and had three children, Patricia Lee, Edward John, and Barbara Ann.

After his service in the Air Force, Don returned to his alma mater, receiving both a Masters of Arts in Philosophy and a Doctorate Degree in Business Administration under the tutelage of life long friend, Dr. Donald Taylor.

As a professor at Michigan State University he was appointed the John H. McConnell University Professorship and served as Dean of the Eli Broad Graduate School of Management. As a pioneer in the study of Logistics and later Supply Chain Management his work earned him the title of “Grandfather of Logistics” from colleagues around the world. Don co-authored the pioneer logistics text in 1961, “Physical Distribution Management: Logistics Problems of the Firm.” He proceeded to author or co-author 17 different books and over 250 articles including “Supply Chain Management” written in the most recent 3rd edition with Dr. David Closs and Dr. Bixby Cooper, which is translated in 14 different languages. In 2008 he co-authored the popular and visionary book “Start Pulling Your Chain” with Nick LaHowchic. He was a founding member and second president of the National Council of Physical Distribution Management in 1963, later becoming the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals (CSCMP). Don is the recipient of the Council’s Distinguished Service and Founder’s Award. He received special commendation from the Society of Logistical Engineers (SOLE) for the publication of “Logistical Management”. In 2005, he received the society’s prestigious Armitage Medal for contribution to the logistics literature. He has been recognized by Michigan State University as a Distinguished Alumni and University Distinguished Faculty Member. He was the initial recipient of the Broad School Alumni Lifetime Achievement Award. He is also a recipient of the Harry E. Salzberg Honorary Medallion presented by Syracuse University. Don chaired 27 Doctoral Dissertations and is connected to hundreds of academics worldwide. He was also a visionary and pioneer consultant for over 200 of the fortune 500 companies.

Don married Susan VanDyke in 1980 and had two sons, John Christian and Donald Scott.

Don often attended sporting events at the University he loved so much. He was a season ticket holder for basketball, hockey and football for many years; a Spartan through and through. Don loved spending time at his family cottage in Traverse City, MI. Every summer all of his children and their families gathered there to celebrate the 4th of July. This cottage and this tradition of gathering meant so much to Don. Thankfully it resulted in his family being with him in his final hours. He was an unconditionally loving father, mentor and friend to his children and their families.

He entered into marriage with Terry Kelly Quick in 2004 and welcomed her four children into the family.

Donald is survived by his loving wife Terry Bowersox of Lady Lake, FL; sister Patricia Ruth Elsenheimer of Traverse City, MI; brother Richard (Rose) Bowersox of Fruitland Park, FL; daughter Patricia (James) Ainslie of Mason, MI their children Michael and Rachel; son Edward (Elaine) Bowersox of Johns Creek, GA their children Lauren and Ryan; daughter Barbara (Charles) Towner of Clinton Township, MI their children Emily and Charles; son John Bowersox of Kohler, WI and son Donald Scott Bowersox of East Lansing, MI. Terry’s children Andrew (Beth), Adam, Allison (Alex) and Joe. In all, Don was a proud father of five with six beautiful grandchildren and many other loving family members and friends.

Don was preceded in death by his parents, first wife Carol Anderson-Bowersox and his brother Dr. Robert Bowersox of Monterey California.

Visitation will be held at Gorsline Runciman Funeral Home located at 1730 East Grand River Ave, East Lansing, MI 48823 on Saturday July 9th from 2-6 pm. Memorial services for friends and family will take place at the Michigan State University Alumni Memorial Chapel on Sunday, July 10th at 1:30 pm with Pastor Douglas A. Bradshaw officiating. A memorial service will also be held in Florida at a later date. In lieu of flowers the family would greatly appreciate contributions made to the Dr. Donald J. Bowersox Endowed Chair in Logistics and Supply Chain Management Fund, 300 Spartan Way, East Lansing, MI 48824-1005. Please share thoughts with the family through an online condolence at www.gorslineruncimaneastlansing.com.