What is your first memory of Doug? Share a favorite memory you have of Doug. Tell us about a special moment you shared with Doug. Describe a time when Doug made you laugh or smile. What is something you will always remember about Doug? Talk about a shared experience you had with Doug. What is something you did together that you enjoyed? Describe a place or activity that reminds you of Doug. Tell us about a personal story or anecdote involving Doug. What is something you learned from Doug?

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1952 - 2023

Doug Kerhulas

1952 - 2023

Obituary

Guest Book

BORN

1952

DIED

2023

About

Bakersfield High School

Doug Kerhulas Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers from Mar. 17 to Mar. 19, 2023.

John Douglas Kerhulas, age 70 years young, left this earth on March 1, 2023, at 8:47 am, surrounded by his family after battling over a decade-long fight with Multiple Sclerosis. He passed in his hometown of Bakersfield, CA.

He was born on October 5, 1952, to Nick and Catherine Kerhulas. He graduated from Bakersfield High School in 1970. After this, he devoted all his energy to drag racing. His crowning moment was during the 1976 World Finals, where he came within 1 round of being that year's NHRA World Champion.

His mother and father predeceased him, and he left behind two daughters, Jaclyn Krause and Jaime Kerhulas, his sister, Sandra Bernard, three granddaughters, and two grandsons.

A remembrance gathering will be held on April 22, 2023, between 2:30-5 pm. Any photos and all stories are welcomed so we can all look back at our dad's years with us. Please get in touch with Jaclyn at 661-205-4465 for details.

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

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Recent Activity

March 16, 2025

Gregg Kerhulas posted to the memorial.

January 14, 2024

Darlene Hayen posted to the memorial.

May 19, 2023

GAIL WARE posted to the memorial.

11 Entries

Gregg Kerhulas

March 16, 2025

I´m a retired airline pilot from Boston and when I flew out west people would ask me if I was related to Doug cause we shared the same last name. I heard all the great stories of his career and wish we could have met. I was sorry to see his obituary.

Darlene Hayen

January 14, 2024

I'm so sorry to just learn about Doug ,l have so many fond memories of Doug ,my ex-husband Kelly Wood and Doug where good friends .

GAIL WARE

May 19, 2023

I had a huge crush on Doug in High School. The coolest guy with a great personality. My condolences to Doug's family. Many have warm memories, even after all these years.

robert jason Perry

April 17, 2023

To the Kerhulas family, Our thoughts and prayers are with you during your loss. I was just a kid when i met him. We made many memories on race days and work nights. He was always good to me and made me laugh. So i wish there were more pictures of those days. Everyone loved him.

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Teresa Mejia

March 25, 2023

Jaclyn and Jamie
I am so sorry to hear of your dads passing. I have many good memories in the Kerhulas household. Porsches, Corvettes and Cadillacs. Always speed! I can´t say how many times Doug and Robert Reid tried to straighten that S curve on 24th St heading downtown. (It´s still there!) Christmas presents from Brocks department store all shiny and pretty with lovely dresses from your grandparents. You were both so young and Robert and I felt like part of your family and for a time we were. God bless you all.

Jaclyn Krause

March 21, 2023

Dr. Michael B. McMahon, DDS

March 20, 2023

My condolences to Jaclyn, Jaime, and the entire family. Doug and I grew up together on Cedar Street. We were more than friends; I was his "adopted" little brother and dentist. Doug taught me how to play all the sports and how to be tough! He was my "big brother" and he was my hero. I loved that man and he will never be forgotten.

Dr Donald M Hart

March 20, 2023

Late Christmas morning enjoying my French toast and bacon, planning on how I was going to enjoy my unwrapped bounty in the next room, our doorbell rang. Assuming that another gift was being delivered, I quickly took the dozen steps from our dinning room to the front door. There stood Doug...gesticulating like a TV hostess on "The Price Is Right" towards his Christmas gift at the bottom of the stairs...a gold Schwinn "Sting-Ray "....20" wheels, white banana seat, sissy bar, and "ape hanger´ handle bars...It was the most beautiful thing I had ever seen in my ten years. At $50.00 a pop....I was immediately envious.
Within days, he had customized his.
The Bicycle playing cards attached to the rear frame, so they flapped against the spokes, created just enough noise to add that certain "kool" sound.
There were 4 or 5 of us that made up our gang. All pretty good kids.
Blessed with loving families and neighbors who knew we weren´t trouble makers.
It´s been decades since I´ve seen Doug.
I´m smiling, as a tear courses it´s way down my cheek.
Thinking of my friend and our joyful youth.

Vaya con dios, Doug.
Vaya con dios.

Marta Thompdon

March 19, 2023

I´m sorry to hear of Doug´s passing. We became friends when I worked at AAA and maintained that friendship for many years. Rest in Peace Doug

Glenn Gallington

March 19, 2023

So very sorry for your families loss. Doug was a good friend during our years @ BHS playing football, drums and that amazing SS454 Chevelle.

Kris Reichert

March 19, 2023

I am very sad to hear of Doug´s passing. For a time, during high school, he lived a couple of blocks from me on "H" Street. Doug and I weren´t best friends, but we were friends, having some of the same classes. I didn´t get to see him race as I went into the military. Upon returning home I often thought about him and how he was doing. My prayer is that he rests in peace and his family knows that he was loved, and will be missed by so many.

Showing 1 - 11 of 11 results