Douglas Loy

Douglas Eugene Loy, 74, of Claremore, Oklahoma, and formerly of Valley Falls, Kansas, passed away on Sunday, December 15, 2024, at Hillcrest Medical Center in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Born on September 2, 1950, in Junction City, Kansas, to Leroy and Betty (Heller) Loy, Doug grew up in Valley Falls and graduated from Valley Falls High School. He began his career working in the Topeka and Tulsa areas before enlisting in the U.S. Navy. During his service as an Aviation Electronics Technician and Calibration Technician aboard the USS Kitty Hawk and later at Naval Station Point Mugu in California, Doug sustained a back injury that led to his medical discharge. Following his military service, he dedicated himself to supporting fellow veterans as a Disabled Veteran Representative for the State of Kansas. Later in his career, Doug worked as a Calibration Technician for the U.S. Air Force at Forbes Field until his retirement in 2015.

Doug was known for his mechanical/electrical and firearm expertise, his sharp wit, determination, and love of music-especially jazz, reggae, and country.

He was preceded in death by his parents; siblings Barbara and Steve; and a grandson, Joshua. He is survived by his wife of nearly 35 years, Deborah (Kehr) Loy; six children: Tammee Ira of Topeka, Kansas; Ami Baker of Osage City, Kansas; Kevin Loy of Valley Falls, Kansas; William Patrick Loy of Fort Lauderdale, Florida; Michael Loy of Claremore, Oklahoma; and Christina Matthias of Topeka, Kansas. Doug was a proud grandfather to 12 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by three siblings: Allen Loy, Betty Ann Jackson, and Jan O'Brien; as well as numerous extended family members and friends.

A memorial service will be held at 3:00 PM on December 28 at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Valley Falls. A reception following, location announced at memorial service. A private family burial will follow at Springhill Cemetery, later. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the NRA or a favorite veterans' organization.