John W. McDougal

Little things often define the character of a man. Coach McDougal was my much admired, talented football coach. As such, I have many fine memories of our lives on the gridiron at Carmi Township High School in Carmi, Ill. But my favorite revelation into his character came in History Class. Every test ended with the same question. "Who was the first President of the United States?" The students were curious why. We learned, but not from Coach, that there was a special needs student in...

I just learned of the passing of one of the best teacher, coach, mentor, and friend I have had the pleasure of knowing in my life time. He came to Carmi Township High School in the school year of 1954-1955. I was a freshman. He taught, coached, and mentored me four years that set the stage for what success I have had in life. He was a great friend of the Class of 58. I called him on Friday night October 7 while the Class of 58 was preparing to celebrate our Mini-Reunion and we talked about...

Great coach and a great teacher. He used to tease me about my "long" hair when I ran track at CTHS in Carmi. He will be missed.

Coach McDougal was a mentor and friend to many Carmi Township High School students. I was blessed to have known him and played Varsity Letterman Football, Track and Baseball as a student athlete in 1963 and 1964. As a transfer student from Henderson County, KY High School (Coach Mojo Hollowell-1961 & 1962 Big 8 Champions)the beginning of my Junior year; Coach McDougal made me feel welcome. I never thanked him and I regret I did not. May God's richest blessings be bestowed upon all of his...

Rest in Peace Coach McDougal, to the family, we loved your father and appreciate all of the wonderful advise he gave my brothers Matt"Skip Hicks, and Ron Hicks. May God's love shine on you today, and give your comfort during this time of bereavement. For in the time of trouble he will hide you. He(God)promised never to leave you or forsake you....

Hicks Family, Dolores,Matt, Ron Peggy, Alvin, and Darrick.

Loved every minute of being a part of the Rockford Lutheran team when Coach Mac was there. His one-liners were hilarious and he was the perfect mix of discipline, humor, and coaching. So many memories from the two short years I had with him at Lutheran and then the times I have run in to him since. A great one!

No man was better for our students at Lutheran High School.

I never played for him but heard many stories from those who did. He taught me how to drive, which I still think of his lessons sometimes in the car. He was loved by his teams and respected by his opponents. If this man touched your life, you were lucky. He was a true Gentleman. God Bless you Coach.