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Douglas E. Stearns (80)
Date of Birth: 02/26/1929
Date of Passing: 11/13/2009
Resided in: rural Greenfield
Douglas Stearns, 80, of rural Greenfield died November 13th at Hancock Regional Hospital. He was born February 26, 1929 in Knightstown, Indiana to Ezra and Bertha (Renfro) Stearns who preceded him in death. After serving honorably in the US Army during the Korean War Doug married the love of his life, Dorothy Fry in August 1952. They had 56 wonderful years together until she passed away last year.
Doug was employed for 40 years at Meridian Insurance, retiring in 1991. He loved spending his time in retirement wintering in Gulf Shores, Alabama, working part time at Arrowhead Golf Course, and being with family, friends and neighbors.
Doug is survived by his daughter Beverly Giles (Duncan) and granddaughter Madison Giles of Indianapolis. He is also survived by sisters Virginia Rihm (Harold) , Anne Wright (Jan), and brothers Kenneth Stearns (Virginia), Clifford Stearns (Sue), Mike Stearns (Mary), David Stearns (Lee), sisters in law Ethel Drager and Nina Mantock, as well as numerous nieces & nephews. His sister, Betty Bence, preceded him in death.
Doug never met a stranger. We will forever remember his quick smile, dry wit, and zest for life.
Calling will be held Wednesday, November 18, from 4:00 until 8:00 p.m. at Erlewein Mortuary on West U.S. 40 in Greenfield. Funeral services will be Thursday, November 19, at 11:00 a.m. at the mortuary with Pastor Sally Dickerson of Eden United Methodist Church officiating. Burial will follow at Glen Cove Cemetery, Knightstown.
The family would like to thank the staffs of Hancock Regional Hospital CICU and Regency Place of Greenfield for their expert care and kindness during Doug's illness, and wish to acknowledge all friends and neighbors for their support. Friends may sign the online guestbook at www.erleweinmortuary.com or e-mail condolences to sympathy@erleweinmortuary.com.
Memorial Contributions
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Eden United Methodist Church, 2122 E. Eden Rd., Greenfield, IN 46140.
Guestbook (Sign Guestbook) 
Condolence
by: rudolphnylund1, 11/16/09
My thoughts and prayers go to the family of Douglas Stearns. As a Freedom Team Salute Ambassador, I am indebted to and have great admiration for Doug's courage and unselfishness in serving our country during the Korean War. We owe him our gratitude and praise. -- A U.S.Army Veteran, Rudy Nylund
Doug was a great person
by: dgarl, 11/16/09
I knew Doug for many years and worked for him for 12 of those years. He was a great person to work for. I am happy he had so many good years after retirement. He always had nothing but good to say about his family. It was a pleasure to have known him. He will be missed.
He will be missed!
by: hjohnson, 11/16/09
I will never forget when we met Doug. The way that he talked about his wife touched our hearts. As we got to know him, we realized what an incredibly sweet, caring person he was. He will be missed.
Love,
Greg, Holly, and Lydia Johnson
Wonderful Man
by: shirleywoodrum, 11/15/09
Doug and I worked together for many many years. He was always friendly and always had a wonderful smile. He always had a kind word for everyone he came into contact. We had sort of lost touch after our retirements but I would see him once in awhile at a grocery store and he always gave me his wide smile. He loved his family very much and always talked about them. He will be truly missed by his family and friends.
My sympathy to all of you.
Shirley Woodrum
Meridian Insurance
Doug was a great friend to me!
by: leeranger, 11/14/09
Doug and I were fellow employees at Meridian Insurance for many years. While I managed an office in Valparaiso, IN, Doug literally kept the company running as he managed the Supply Division. If one needed any supplies or equipment to do their job, Doug was the person to see.
I always found Doug to be one of the most helpful, patient workers Meridian had. He never failed to be respectful and courteous to his fellow workers, and he did his job with the utmost professionalism. You knew that he considered you a good friend by the way he always treated you.
My condolences to his family and many friends.
Lee Ranger
1510 Aster Avenue
Valparaiso, IN 46383
Carole Farmer
by: cfarmer, 11/17/09
We are sad that you have left us Doug. You made everyones life a little brighter at Meridian Insurance. We were so glad to see you enjoy life after retirement even more than you had when working. You were a poster child for 'the best days are yet to come.'
So until we meet again Doug, keep smiling.
God bless the family and friends you have left behind.
From the 'limey' Carole Farmer