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Douglas Hubbell Obituary
Evansville, IN
Douglas Kent Hubbell passed away on January 13, 2018. Douglas was the only child born to Owen and Lorena Hubbell in 1939, in Chicago, Illinois. He is survived by his wife, Laura Hubbell, and his children, Sam and Amy Elizabeth Hubbell, and his granddaughter, Kate.
Doug attended University of Iowa, receiving his undergraduate degree in Theatre. At the University of Iowa, he met his wife of 52 years, Laura Elizabeth Dunlap, whom he married in 1965 at the the First Presbyterian Church in Brooklyn Heights, New York. Doug received his PhD from Indiana University. Upon his retirement from University of Southern Indiana in 2008, Doug received the honor of Professor Emeritus.
Doug joined the United States Army as an infantry member in 1961, serving for two years. His service included a tour as a guard on the Berlin Wall.
Doug grew up in Peoria, Illinois and lived with his mother Lorena, an early elementary teacher. His mother encouraged his kindness and curious about the world, instilling in him keen observation skills and a deep enthusiasm for art.
Doug was an artist of many talents which served him well in his career as a set designer and theatre director. He was able to bring his vision to life using any materials available, working to creatively problem solve with a limited budget and time frame when necessary. His set designs were incomparable, articulated with the care and detail of a master artist.
A memorial service will be held at a later date.
Condolences may be made online at www.ziemerfuneralhome.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Douglas Hubbell
Lenny D
January 13, 2025
Oddly, over the years I often find myself thinking about Doug and the many, many discussions we had about art, politics and the state of the world. I also think back to the day he tricked me into auditioning or Fiddler on the Roof, which I didn't get the part, but he somehow got me up there on stage. Loved our time together and miss him still. RIP & keep causing trouble Doug, the afterlife needs it.
Deborah Stratton
April 2, 2021
I am so sorry to learn of Dr. Hubbells passing. I was a theratical student of Dr. Hubbell's throughout my College studies , in the early 80's. I learned a great deal from Dr. Hubbell. I used the knowledge I gained from Dr. Hubblle's classes and experiences on and off set in the following classes I taught: Speech Communications, English, Drama, Language Arts, researching skills and techniques. I was able to rebuild a Drama Department on a $300.00 budget from the stage up and start what is now an annual talent show/fund raiser at reservation school in New Mexico. As the Librarian in a brand new Elementary School in Colorado Springs, CO, Dr. Hubbell's teachings were present in my classes.
I wish I could have thanked him in person. To Laura and the family, I am so sorry for your loss. I just want you to know that Dr.Hubbell is continuing to live on in all those children that I had the privilege of teaching. As a matter of fact, several have gone on to become teachers.
Thank you Dr. Hubbell for your inspiration, time, and knowledge and teachings.
Love, Light, Joy and Blessings to ALL,
Deb. Stratton
Luke Byers
May 1, 2018
I was lucky enough to be Doug's student in the early 80s. He was as intelligent as he was talented and taught me how to be a better actor, a decent set and lighting designer and more importantly how to be a humble human being. I owe a great deal of my success to the foundation of learning that he provided. He drove an ancient chevy nova and lived on cheese, coffee and cigarettes during those times and we spent many a long day in that dank old theatre taking a shoestring budget and creating pure magic on stage. He led our theatre troop in games of improvisation called "Freeze" with snorting laughter that was unmistakable. I will forever remember the good times that we shared and am very thankful to have known him.
Virginia Keysear Barlow
April 19, 2018
I went to grade school & U. High with Doug. We were a part of a group than ran around together. So wished I would have got to see him at 60th class reunion. He was a great friend back in school days. Sorry.for your loss
Sue Marrugi (Burgin)
April 18, 2018
Doug and I were very close friends the last two years at U High. I watched him blossom into a very talented actor under the direction of our drama coach, Del Hanson. Of course he continued on in his university years and beyond, further honing his skills in theater and teaching. He was very intelligent and was a natural leader in high school, bringing out the best in everyone. He was so well liked! My sympathies to his family and friends. I am saddened by his passing.
Christine Harman
February 24, 2018
My recollection of learning from Doug at UE just popped into my head tonight so I thought I would see what he was doing. So sad to learn of his passing. He was gentle, kind, creative, and patient with all of us who worked in the costume shop. My condolences to the family.
Michael Weber
February 5, 2018
Sorry to hear about Doug. A very talented and patient man.
Kurt Kiefer
January 30, 2018
I stopped by Dougs house on Riverside a few years ago to see how he was doing. He was still the same Doug. Never was lucky enough to be in in any plays with him. But I had him in many classes and recommended them to everyone. Doug was always a very deep thinker and made everyone that he came in contact with feel a little better. You inspired me to dream. Thanks
Gregg Gerling
January 29, 2018
Dr. Doug was a great professor . The smartest man I ever met and great teacher. I will never forget his kindness.
Gregg Gerling
Lenny & Anne Dowhie
January 19, 2018
Doug and I joined USI (ISUE) the same year. We bonded over our love for good books, stories and off beat theater. Doug was the ONLY person who could get me to audition for a part in Fiddler on the Roof. (No, I didn't get it-Shows you Doug was smart as well).
He always came to USI art shows, especially the Student Exhibition, and was a wonderful supporter of the arts in our community. He will be missed and our thoughts go to Laura and his family.
Tim Buecher
January 19, 2018
Doug was a kind, positive, affable and gracious colleague. Always a pleasure to see him on campus. I value the privilege of having known him. My sincere condolences to his family.
Thomas Burkhardt
January 19, 2018
My all time favorite professor. Dr. Hubbell will be missed
Paula Boenigk
January 17, 2018
Dear Laura and family I know you feel how much Doug was loved. He was such a dear warm man teacher director. Years after taking a few classes with him , when ever I ran in to him it was like we were the best of friends. He was sincerely interested in whatever I was doing. I know he treated others the same way. Peace to you all in this difficult time. Paula Luster Boenigk
Mary Lee
January 17, 2018
Doug was a great neighbor. We were blessed to have him, and you all, as adopted family. He will be missed. Our prayers are with you.
Josh Wolf
January 17, 2018
Doug's influence on me and on generations of students is impossible to overstate. He was a true Renaissance Man, an inspiration we will carry with us.
Sherry Bevins Darrell
January 17, 2018
Doug was a delightful colleague, a great asset to the Humanities program. We loved his brilliant, detailed faculty workshops. And we loved that Doug seemed to own books on every topic, books he lent us enthusiastically.
January 17, 2018
Laura, Liza, Sam,
We are with you in prayers, love, and hope for consolation on Doug's passing. He is a true heart.
God rest him now. And bless you with love.
Mike and Maggie
Carol Schmitt
January 17, 2018
I took two classes at USI taught by Doug Hubbell. He stirred interest in topics (art/philosophy/history) that I previously had no desire to study. He was funny and made those classes enjoyable. I have great memories of him.
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