William Douglas Bigelow

William Douglas Bigelow of Boonsboro, born August 30, 1948, to Clifford and Shirley Bigelow in Paw Paw, MI, passed away on September 03, 2024 at his home in Boonsboro, MD.

After graduation from Paw Paw High School, Bill served as a Military Policeman & Detective in the United States Army. He was a combat veteran, serving a tour in Vietnam through which he earned the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal (with three campaign stars), Vietnam Campaign Medal, two Overseas Service Bars, and his Expert Badge (M-16). 

Following his tour in Vietnam, Bill was honorably discharged to serve in the Metro Police Department (Washington, DC) and then the Mounted Unit of the MNCPP where he experienced his dream job of riding horseback representing the State of Maryland in its parks. He transferred to the Prince George’s County Police Department where he served as a patrol officer, undercover officer, and a detective and was given the Award of Merit for outstanding meritorious service to the citizens of PG County. In 1979, he opened his own private investigative company (WDB & Associates) where a highlight was handling the security for President George Bush’s birthday dinner, among other events. In addition to these experiences, he served with the Prince George’s Co. Department of Corrections, as well as the Frederick County Zoning Department as an Investigator. 

Bill was married to the love of his life, Ginger Bigelow, for 49 years. Bill is survived by his wife, his three sons and their wives, Doug & Katrina of Rohrersville, Troy & Natalie of Fairmont, WV, and Kevin & Jenn of Jacksonville Beach, FL, and his daughter Nicole Bigelow. Through his sons, Bill is survived by seven grandchildren - Trevor & Taylor Bigelow (Troy & Natalie), Hunter & Parker Bigelow (Doug & Katrina), Caleb, Adalyn, & Judah (Kevin & Jenn). 

Bill’s first and greatest love was his family. Anything they were doing or anywhere they were participating and playing he was their biggest supporter. He loved camping and Bill was a private pilot and avid lover of flying small planes. 

The family will receive friends from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm on Monday, September 9, 2024 at Bast-Stauffer Funeral Home, 7606 Old National Pike in Boonsboro, Maryland where a celebration of Bill's life journey will take place at 2:00 pm. Pastor Jimmy Wells will officiate. 

Bill will be interred at Arlington National Cemetery, where he will be laid to rest amongst many of our nation’s other heroes.