//cdn.lifestorynet.com/fh/obituary-default.jpg//cdn.lifestorynet.com/fh/obituary-default.jpgObituary
Douglas Orin Small Sr., formerly of Findlay, Ohio, passed away peacefully in his sleep on January 16, 2024, at his daughter’s home in Perrysburg, Ohio. He was born in Kalamazoo, Michigan, on May 19, 1938, and spent the majority of his growing up years in Lawrence, Michigan. The Small family were always very active in their community and in 1960 were selected to be “Michigan Family of the Year” for the All-American Family Conference.
Doug earned a business degree from Western Michigan University and went on to earn an appointment to the Naval Officer Candidate School in Newport, Rhode Island. As an officer, his experiences included participation in the Cuban Missile Crisis. After leaving active duty, he continued to serve in the Naval Reserves as he began a 30-year career working for Whirlpool Corporation, retiring in 1995. Doug actively gave back to his community by volunteering his time to family and community activities such as youth soccer, baseball, softball, Boy Scouts, and as a Whirlpool advisor in their Junior Achievement group. He was a lifelong member of the Paw Paw, Michigan Masonic Lodge, and a strong supporter of many hunting and fishing organizations.
Surviving Doug are his wife of 58 years, Linda (Hatfield); children Douglas Jr. (Jennifer); Eric (Georgy); and Andrea (Todd DeBouver) Born; 7 Grandchildren; and 12 Great-Grandchildren. Preceding Doug in death were his parents, Orin H. Small and Fern Isobel Andrea (Jensen) Small, and siblings, David W. Small and Diane E. (Small, Lanphear) Girven.
A Military Committal Service will be held on Friday March 1, 2024, promptly at 3-3:30 P.M. at Ft. Custer National Cemetery 15501 Dickman Rd, Augusta, MI 49012.
A Celebration of Life will follow the Committal Service at 5:30 P.M. at the home of Doug’s nephew and niece, John and Mindy Lanphear, 48860 48th Ave. Lawrence, MI 49064.
To help in our planning for attendance at Celebration of Life please register at Eventbrite https://rb.gy/0pax5v by reserving spots equal to the number of potential attendees.