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PETER H'DOUBLER Obituary


Family-Placed Death Notice

H'DOUBLER, Peter, MD PETER BEMIS H'DOUBLER Peter Bemis H'Doubler, MD, FACS, FLS, 83, died of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis at his home in Atlanta, Georgia with his family in attendance on December 7, 2012. He was born on September 3, 1929 in Springfield, Missouri and raised in Springfield, where he attended Greenwood Laboratory School. At Greenwood he was Salutatorian, a multiple year letterman in 4 sports and Sir Greenwood. He received a football scholarship to the University of Arkansas where he attended college and graduated in the Class of 1951. He played on the Razorback football team for two years until a back injury ended his football career. At Arkansas, he was elected to Phi Beta Kappa in his junior year. He served as President of his pledge class and as the Sigma Nu chapter commander for two years. At Arkansas he met his wife to be, Evelyn Zack of Pine Bluff, Arkansas. They were married in 1954. Following in the footsteps of his surgeon father, Francis Todd H'Doubler, M.D. FACS, HMS 1915, he received his Medical Degree at Harvard Medical School in 1955. At Harvard, he was his class president of Nu Sigma Nu medical fraternity. He did his internship and residency in surgery at The Peter Bent Brigham Hospital in Boston under Francis D. Moore, Dwight Harken and Nobel Prize recipient Joseph Murray. He also completed a two-year surgical fellowship at The National Institutes of Health in Washington, D.C. At the completion of his surgical training, he returned to Springfield, where he practiced as a general surgeon for 40 years. In the late 1980s, he went to France to learn the new technique of laparoscopic gall bladder removal and then implemented this in his practice. He was one of the first surgeons in Missouri to perform this procedure. Beloved by his patients, he is remembered as a technically superb surgeon and remarkably caring physician. Many called Dr. H'Doubler a renaissance man as he had so many passions and interests outside of surgery. What he accomplished over his life was nothing short of amazing. He was a single digit handicap golfer and avid hunter and fisherman. He loved gardening, model airplane building and flying, astronomy and furniture repair. He was an inventor and held several patents including a golf green break reader that he invented in his retirement. He was an avid student his entire life, voraciously reading and studying and taking courses on all disciplines up to and including his final year of life. Of all the subjects he studied, Natural History, Mathematics and Military History were his favorites. Pete and his wife Evelyn loved to travel and fell in love with Paris, spending many wonderful times there. He was a fellow of The Linnean Society of London and a fellow of The American College of Surgeons. He was a Rotarian, 32-degree mason and Shriner, and a member of the Royal Order of Jesters. He was a member of Christ Episcopal Church in Springfield, Missouri where he served on the Vestry for many years and worshipped at the Cathedral of St. Philip after moving to Atlanta. Most importantly, Pete lived his faith, loving his fellow man and always taking the time to talk to and help anyone. He was a warm and kind person, who had the ability to make everyone feel as if they were the most important person in the world. He lived by his motto "Carpe Diem" Latin for "Seize the day": appreciate what a precious gift life is, and enjoy it every single day. He is survived by his loving wife Evelyn Zack H'Doubler, his three children, Peter B. H'Doubler, Jr. MD and his wife Karen Horan H'Doubler, Mary Triffany Cook and her husband A. John Cook, Jr. MD, William Zack H'Doubler, MD and his wife Carolyn Loscalzo H'Doubler, MD, his sister, Louise Emerson Nagle, his sister in law, Billie Zack Mahaffy and seven grandchildren, Alissa Phillips, Annie Phillips, Mary Zack H'Doubler, Tripp H'Doubler, Zack H'Doubler, Triff H'Doubler and Julia Anne H'Doubler. The body will be cremated. There will be a memorial service at 2:30 pm on Tuesday December 11, 2012 at The Cathedral of St. Philip. The family will be receiving visitors at Gould room at the Cathedral at 1:30 pm immediately prior to the service. In Lieu of Flowers, contributions may be made to the Building Fund at Christ Episcopal Church, 1601 East Walnut, Springfield, Missouri 65806, or the St. Joseph's Hospital of Atlanta Mercy Foundation, 5665 Peachtree Dunwoody Road, Atlanta, Georgia 30342. Online condolences may be made at hmpattersonspringhill.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Atlanta Journal-Constitution on Dec. 10, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
for PETER H'DOUBLER

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Angela (Thompson) Bennett

August 28, 2013

I only learned today of Dr. H'Doubler's passing. I am so very sorry for your loss. He was a wonderful man with such a kind heart and spirit. He will be greatly missed.

John Laszlo

March 29, 2013

I have known Pete since we were classmates in medical school and I cared for him then with his gentle demeanor and wit. He had a great career in medicine and he was proud of that. But he was even more proud of his family, his wonderful wife Evelyn and their lovely children and grandchildren. Pat and I became reacquainted with Pete and Evelyn in later years because we tried to align our visits to Paris with theirs and we had such great times together. Often dinners but also trips to Paris flea markets where Evelyn seemed to know the vendors and Pete and I strolled behind or had coffee. We loved Pete and miss his presence.
John & Pat Laszlo

Stephen Schwab

March 5, 2013

I can vividly recall every time I met and talked with Pete H'Doubler. He was warm and gracious. I know the term charismatic is overused, but he certainly had that quality. His father and mine were the best of friends. I am sorry to learn of Pete's death. Stephen Irving Max Schwab

January 10, 2013

Pete and I were neighbors in Vanderbilt Hall and remained good friends for several years before heading off in different geographical directions and then rejoining at the PBBH after service time. Besides being really smart, he could play out the "good ole boy" persona to a tee. I'm sure that all who knew him will miss him greatly.
Peter Crowe, HMS 54

Diane Chapman

December 29, 2012

It was indeed a blessing to help care for Dr. H'Doubler. He was a true gentleman and larger than life itself. He leaves behind a wonderful legacy and many memories for those of us who were fortunate to know him. My prayers go out to his lovely family. Sincerely, Diane Chapman, RN

Mary Roetto Verburgt

December 27, 2012

Dr. H'Doubler was a great man. He was so caring, kind, and generous with his time. I worked with him at DDS, and he always made time to stop and talk. Forever smiling and spreading cheer. I will always cherish his kindness to so many. He will be profoundly missed. God Bless Dr. H'Doubler and all his family.

Bette Reynolds Dickinson

December 12, 2012

So sorry for your loss.

Tamara (Austin) Carter

December 12, 2012

Dr H'Doubler was a great influence on my early adult life while working in the Springfield, MO OR. It was a dream come true, literally, when he hired me to work for him. He was a wonderful role model, teacher, and interesting person. I will never forget him. I am so very sorry for your loss.

December 12, 2012

Your light will continue in my heart.

Danna Minthorn

December 12, 2012

I am saddened that such an amazing man had passed from this world. I loved his smile. I enjoyed it when he visited our store with questions. I will miss him.

Natalie Owens

December 12, 2012

He was one of my favorites. He will be greatly missed!! I feel very blessed having known him.

Gayle Brown Cameron

December 12, 2012

Dr H'Doubler was my mother's surgeon in the 1980's. What a wonderful man he was. I'm sorry to hear of his passing. My condolences to his family. God's richest blessings be with you all.

Sharon Hollis Horton

December 11, 2012

Blessings on all of your family as you grieve and adjust to the loss of a caring husband and dad. I am confident you will carry on a legacy that will honor the impact he made on your life. Triff, I wish I would have known about the service in Atlanta in time to attend. Know that I care and pray that you are all comforted by the love of family and friends.

Jon Ames

December 11, 2012

I remember runing into Dr H'Doubler many times in the halways of Cox North. He was always as smiling and cheerful as his bow tie. He was equally enjoyable on the golf course. After coming back from laparoscopic gallbladder training he suggested I purchase US Sugical stock because it was 4 months behind in deliveries of their new equipment. I did purchase the stock and it was very profitable. Having had the chance to know exceptional people like Dr. H'Doubler makes me feel special. I am sure his family and all who knew him have wonder memories of Dr. H'Doubler as I have.

Michael Harrison

December 11, 2012

I had the privilege of knowing Dr. H'Doubler for many years. He always treated me with respect,and always had time to visit. He was a fine physician and practiced for the right reasons. My thoughts are with his family.

Michael Harrison

December 11, 2012

I had the privilege of knowing Dr. H'Doubler for many years. He was a fine gentleman. He always treated me with respect and always had time to visit with me. After he retired we would see each other at the grocery store and talk for 20-30 min. A fine physician who practiced medicine for the right reason. My thoughts with his family.

Janet Davis

December 11, 2012

Dr. H'Doubler did surgeons on me three times. He was so nice. My thoughts and prayers are with the family.

Lester Bland

December 11, 2012

A Wonderful Man -

December 11, 2012

This was indeed a very special man, my son had 3 Hernia repairs by the doc by the time he was 10, always so scared, DR. H'Doubler would take extra care with him and stay at his side until he was asleep. Meant alot to a scared mommy, he also opperated on my husband and several members of my family, we were always so grateful for his caring attitude and care.

Darlene Ducker

December 11, 2012

I am so sorry to hear of Dr H'Doubler's passing. He was a kind, caring and generous individual. I worked in his surgical practice in the early 90's. Evelyn and the family will be in my prayers during this difficult time.

Lois Taylor

December 11, 2012

I can't say enough good things about Dr. H'Doubler. I will say "Amen" to all that Judy Reeves said. In all the years I worked beside him, he was kind and caring about everyone. He was one of the best men I have known in my life time, and I will miss our phone chats. To Evelyn and the children-I know you will greatly miss him, but he is probably visiting with those in heaven that he read about in his studies. I know Dave and Dan gave him a big welcome. Rest in Peace, my friend.

Chyrel Miller

December 11, 2012

I had the honor and privilege to know Peter in his later years and a brilliant, lively and always intellectually voracious thirst for knowledge. I will dearly miss him in our world of chaos and my dearest and best wishes to Evelyn and their family.

December 11, 2012

One of the smartest men I ever knew.Worked in his office 25 yrs.RIP Dr.H'Doubler.My family is saddened by your passing.Our thoughts and prayers are with you Evelyn and family.Love You.

Sharon Randolph

December 11, 2012

Working for Dr and Mrs was a pleasure. They made it fun to be there He will be missed God bless you all-Sharon Randolph

Fred & Pam Cole

December 11, 2012

I had the pleasure of working with Dr. H'Doubler in his office in Springfield. We will never forget this wonderful man, I remember the first time I made his favorite cookie oatmeal raisin for his birthday how how excited he was! Evelyn and family are in our thoughts and prayers.

William Garvin

December 10, 2012

Pete possessed a lively, well-read mind; he was a wonderful storyteller; and he would do anything to help a friend. He was a gentleman of the first order, and was always thinking about what he could do for others. When my old 1946 jeep ran out of gas one Sunday, Pete (in his trademark seersucker suit and bow-tie) insisted on running to the filling station, getting a couple of gallons of gas, and delivering it to me. He was 30 years my senior, but I always thought of him as a young person. Goodbye, my dear, gentle friend.

December 10, 2012

I was lucky to have known Uncle Pete. As a child it was so cool to discover his model airplanes in the basement at the farm. In my mind I see him now soaring over Paris on one of those planes with a great bottle of wine...I will miss him. All our condolences to the family, Bob and Liz Nagle

The Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation

December 10, 2012

On behalf of the staff at the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation we offer our deepest condolences to the H'Doubler family. While this is a difficult time, please know that as a foundation we can offer support and information to your family as you move forward. We sincerely hope you will join the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation in the fight to permanently eliminate this disease.

Jeanie and John Morris

December 10, 2012

Our family is truly saddened to hear of Dr. Peter's passing. He was such an incredible friend to our parents and to us. He will be missed.

MaryAnne & Kurt H'Doubler

December 10, 2012

We will miss a wonderful man, uncle and role model who loved life and all of the experiences that came with it. We are thankful for the memories we have of him that will stay with us!

Judy Reeves

December 10, 2012

I hand the greatest privilege of getting to work with Dr H'Doubler in surgery and in his office. He was a great man, a fantastic surgeon, and a kind and gentle man who treated everyone with the upmost respect and dignity. He made home visits to people who were not able to come to the office. You can't find that type of physician today who would take the time to do this. He was like a father to me for he ws always there to provide comfort, give advice, and I learned so much from him. He was so proud of his family and talked all the time about them and their accomplishments. What a great family, the H'Doublers, and I will miss him tremendously! This is a very sad day but I know he lived his life to the fullest and gave his all." Judy Reeves, (Springfield, MO)

S.G.; John 5:28

December 10, 2012

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Lynn (Mueller) Lacy

December 10, 2012

The Paul Mueller Family members hold you all in our hearts and prayers. Pete was a wonderful friend and he will be missed.

Jesse Jerguigue

December 10, 2012

I worked with Dr. H'Doubler for a couple of years in Missouri. He was a great man and a true gentleman . He had a great sense of humor. We will miss you, Dr. H'Doubler.

Michelle Crismas

December 10, 2012

Dr. H'Doubler never failed to have a smile on his face and a twinkle in his eye. I was lucky to have the opportunity to know him. He will be greatly missed!

C. S.

December 10, 2012

To the family and friends I'm very sorry for your loss.

Rochelle Davis

December 10, 2012

The world has truly lost an amazing person. I am grateful that I had the opportunity to met him and listen to all his stories.

Cami LaFollette

December 10, 2012

In the time that I had the privilege of working with Dr. H'Doubler, I found that he was a compassionate man who was always willing to take a few minutes to share his knowledge with those around him. When he asked how you were doing, it was obvious that he cared about the answer to the question. He made an amazing impact on many people, and he will be greatly missed. I am sorry for your loss.

Debbie Turner

December 10, 2012

I worked with Dr H'Doubler for several years. I will always remember him as being one of the warmest and kindest men I have known. A true gentleman in every way. May God bless you and your family.

Pam Chandler

December 10, 2012

Dr. H'Doubler was one of the finest persons I have ever met. Always positive, always a gentleman, always a good word for everyone. He will be greatly missed by many.

Megan Rolloos

December 10, 2012

I was blessed to work with Dr. H'Doubler for a time at DDS. When I was hired, everyone told me how wonderful Dr. H'Doubler was to help with our cases. No matter how small my question he always made time, and cheerfully helped all of us at the DDS. He was such a caring and gentle person, we will all miss him so much. My condolences go out to his family.

Karen Herrmann

December 9, 2012

I had the privilege to work with Dr. H'Doubler for several years just prior to his illness. He was one of the last true "gentleman" and such an inspiration. He will be missed by many.

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