Search by Name

Add a Memory

Send Flowers

Make a Donation

Share Obituary

1953 - 2006

BORN

1953

DIED

2006

About

Western Kentucky University

Doug Gruden Obituary

Doug Gruden, 53, died Saturday, Nov. 11, 2006.

Memorial service: 3 p.m. Wednesday in Moore Funeral Home-Bowen Road Chapel in Arlington.

Memorials: Scleroderma Research, in care of the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Box 91088 Dallas, Texas 75391; or Lone Star Park Benevolence Fund, Attention Chaplain Sam, 1000 Lone Star Parkway, Grand Prairie, Texas 75050.

Doug was born in Cleveland, Ohio, on Oct. 31, 1953. He crossed the Ohio River, where he attended Western Kentucky University, and began a 17-year tradition of attending the Kentucky Derby. In 1981 he moved to Dallas, where he discovered fried okra, hot tamales and the love of Belva Penman, whom he married Dec. 29, 1991. The following month, Doug was diagnosed with scleroderma after suffering kidney failure. Doug and Belva faced the next 14 years with courage and a zest for life that inspired everyone. Doug was Lone Star Park's jumbotron director until his death. His creative talents and personality will be greatly missed.

Douglas was preceded in death by his parents, Victor and Irma Gruden, and one brother, Victor Gruden.

Survivors: Wife, Belva; sister, Beverly Vovk and husband, Rick; nephews, Ricky and David Vovk; brother, Jeff Gruden; sister-in-law, Julia and husband, Steve Kaylor; and niece, Missy Seago; nephew, Kelley and wife, Tracy Seago. Doug loved his visits in Knox County with his brother-in-law, Ray Penman, and nieces, Jane Ann and Lindsey Rae.

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

Published by Star-Telegram from Nov. 14 to Nov. 15, 2006.

Memories and Condolences
for Doug Gruden

14 Entries

Lois Box

December 11, 2006

I am so very sorry for all of you. Your loss is too great. Doug was such a fine boy and I know from knowing his family that he would be a great man. You are in my thoughts and prayers. I love you Bevy.

Susie and Don Wheaton

December 9, 2006

We miss Doug more every time we talk to you and read these sweet comments from so many who knew him 'daily'. What a genuine person Doug was, and what a devoted, thankful spouse God gave him, in you, Belva. We're just 'blessed' to have crossed paths with you two!
We love you much,

Carol Crowe

November 17, 2006

Dear Belva,
What a wonderful man you had for a husband! I admired Dougie. He seemed to have such a great love for you, Belva. When the men at work would start dogging marriage, Doug would be the only one taking up for marriage saying he didnt know what they were talking about. I believe he was truly a happily married man and he knew how lucky he was to have you for his wife.
I will never forget Dougie. He had such a soothing voice, I thought. He was always trying to teach us to be creative and his knowledge of music and movies would amaze us. He was fun to work with and an inspiration to us all.
His sence of humor and the way he would get up and start dancing to disco songs at work is something I will never forget.
I miss you, Doug.
Sweet Belva, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

SUELLEN BARBEE

November 15, 2006

Belva, I see from the write up that Doug was a marvelous man I'm sure he will be missed by many. I am really sorry I didn't have an opportunity to get to know him.

Take very good care of yourself just as Doug would want you to do!

Much love,
Suellen

Bill Orcutt

November 15, 2006

Doug was one of the most decent guys I ever worked with. And one of the funniest. He would have everyone in tears on headsets at LSP. I'm going to miss him. Working at Lone Star will definitely not be the same without the Gruden experience. God bless him and Belva, too.

Sam Mertes

November 15, 2006

DOOG! I loved working with Doug. over the years I worked at LSP, Doug and I had some great discussions both meaningless and philosophical. Poker night at Doug and Belva's was great fun and something I looked forward to. I'm gonna miss ya, Doog.

Louetta Wallace

November 14, 2006

My Dear Sweet Cousin, Belva, We will be seeing you tomorrow. JW & I share deeply in your great sorrow.It was an honor to have Doug as part of our family and you both have been an inspirations to us all.

Steve Tokar

November 14, 2006

Doug was my best friend many years ago at WKU. He was a generous, funny, and graceful man, and taught me a lot about seeing the humorous side of the darkest situation. Yo, Dug -- in spite of the time and distance, you will always be a part of me.

Warren McEuen

November 14, 2006

I
met Doug at WKU around his birthday in 1974. We shared some wild times
and I´ll always have fond memories of Doug´s enthuisiasm for life and
his positive outlook. He is an inspiration for all who knew and loved
him.

Merritt Cash

November 14, 2006

Doug was great friend and real fun to be around. I got to go to a few of those Derbys, as well as lots of college-day memories and golf course duels. I will remember Doug often.

Beverly Vovk

November 14, 2006

I not only lost my brother but my best friend and confidant. You will live forever in my heart. I love you so much Dougie.

Jim and Dee Heintz

November 14, 2006

Belva we share in your sorrows and pray for peace for you. I know this is a very sad time. Our prayers are with you.

Helen Miller

November 14, 2006

Belva, I am so sorry for your loss. I wish mere words could help relieve some of your pain, but no such words exist. Please know there are a lot of people thinking about you and who are there for you.
Doug is sorely missed.

Showing 1 - 14 of 14 results