Obituary of Dr. Paul Kent Douglas

Dr. Paul Kent Douglas of Saginaw, Michigan, passed away Friday, August 4, 2023, at Sarasota Memorial Hospital in Sarasota, Florida. He was 83 years old. Paul was born October 28, 1939 in South Haven, Michigan, son of the late David Samuel and Lois Louise (Rupright) Douglas. Paul’s family relocated to Coldwater, Michigan where he spent his childhood through high school years. During his senior year, Paul received All State Honors in football and basketball. A few years later, he was inducted into the Coldwater High School Athletic Hall of Fame. After graduating, Paul received a scholarship to play football at Western Michigan University.

After completing premed courses, he was accepted and enrolled at the Southern College of Optometry in Memphis, Tennessee. While at Southern, Paul held several offices, including President of the Senior Class. In 1963, he received a commission as Ensign in the Medical Service Corps of the United States Navy. On June 8, 1963, the day after graduating, Paul married the former Mary Patricia Johnson. After completion of Naval orientation at Bethesda Naval Hospital in Maryland, he was assigned to the eye clinic at the Marine Air Base in Cherry Point, North Carolina. Paul was discharged from the Navy in August of 1966 and accepted a position in private practice with Howard Wicklund, O.D. back in Coldwater, Michigan. The following year, Paul and his family moved to Saginaw, Michigan so Paul could work and study with James H. Curts, M.D. When Dr. Curts passed away, Paul bought the practice and formed Douglas Family Vision.

While in practice in Saginaw, Paul was awarded a Fellowship in the American Academy of Optometry. Offices he held included President of the Saginaw Valley Optometric Association, President of the Michigan Optometric Association, and Michigan Representative to the American Optometric Association. Paul was president of the Saginaw Valley Rotary Club, and with that organization, received the Paul Harris Fellowship award. He was also President of the Allenhurst Commons Home Owners Association, plus served as a board member for several other associations.

While retired, Paul spent time working and supporting the East Side Soup Kitchen and Hopevale Church in Saginaw and mentoring a Booker Highschool student in Sarasota. He also followed with great interest his children’s and grandchildren’s accomplishments and was always available to offer words of encouragement and sage advice. His hobbies included golf, tennis, contract bridge tournaments, and singing while playing his guitar.

Paul is survived by his beloved wife of sixty years, Mary Patricia Douglas; his children, Cristina (Joseph) Lockwood, David (Nancy) Douglas, and Joseph (Karen) Douglas; his grandchildren, Anna Lockwood, William Lockwood, Scott Lockwood, Aiden Lockwood, Caroline Douglas, Brooklyn Douglas, David Douglas Jr., Preston Douglas, Cameron Douglas, and many nieces and nephews. Paul was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Carole Wuerfel.

SERVICE: In keeping with Paul’s wishes, cremation has taken place. A Memorial Service to celebrate his life will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, August 19, 2023 at the Deisler Funeral Home, 2233 Hemmeter Rd. (off State), Saginaw, MI 48603. Pastor Sam Burke will officiate. Inurnment to follow in Oakwood Cemetery.

VISITATION: Family and friends are welcome to gather at the Deisler Funeral Home on Friday, August 18, 2023 from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., and again on Saturday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service.

MEMORIALS: Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider a donation to Hopevale Church in Saginaw or East Side Soup Kitchen at https://www.eastsidesoupkitchen.org/    Please share your thoughts and memories with the family at the funeral home or through www.DeislerFuneralHome.com