Douglas James Dunlap

1961 - 2025

Douglas "Doug" James Dunlap passed away Saturday, May 10, 2025, at Valley Vista Rehab and Nursing in Lewistown. Born December 2, 1961, in Lewistown, Doug attended elementary schools in Lewistown and Harlowton, graduating from Hobson High School in 1981. Enjoying football and basketball in high school, Doug preferred hunting and fishing, often hunting before and after fall football games. After a year at Eastern Montana College in Billings, Doug enlisted in the Montana National Guard receiving his initial training in Fort Sill, Oklahoma. Doug found work in Lewistown as a cook for a few years.

Inspired by both his uncles' service in the Navy during Vietnam, Doug enlisted in the Navy in 1987 and was assigned to the aircraft carrier U.S.S. Forrestal in 1988. A part of the U.S. 7th Fleet, the aging U.S.S. Forrestal, the United States first super carrier, was marred by two tragic fires. The first in 1967 killing 134, injuring 161, and the second in 1989 injuring 11. Doug served during the U.S.S. Forrestal's 19th deployment as an electrical equipment repairman in support of Operation Earnest Will during the Iran-Iraq War, precursor to the 1st Gulf War, protecting Kuwaiti oil tankers flying the American flag under attack from Iran; then went straight into military exercises above the Artic Circle. The five-and one-half month deployment with 108 continuous days in the North Arabian Sea earned Doug the Meritorious Unit Commendation, Navy Expeditionary Medal, and Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal. Doug was medically discharged from the Navy Hospital in Jacksonville Florida in October 1989 for physical injuries, however, it was the accompanying mental injuries that would change Doug's life forever, requiring the relearning of the most basic life skills including eating and dressing. After and because of the First Gulf War, Doug's mental injuries were eventually recognized by the Veteran's Administration in 1995. Doug was able to live on his own for many years in Lewistown pursuing his passion for hunting and fishing, but unable to successfully work. Doug spent time at the family farm endeavoring to work the land.

Fall of 2003, in a bizarre turn of events, Doug went fishing on a warm Sunday afternoon and did not return home and was officially listed as a missing person two days later. Soon after, there were reports of a haggard looking man walking without shoes on the Crow Reservation in Southern Montana and was allowed to be investigated by the Montana Highway Patrol. Doug was found, but without his needed medications, spent an extended stay in the hospital. Doug's 2000 GMC pickup was also missing and immediately written off by the insurance company due to Doug's approximate location to the Powder River. Doug loved his pickup, so multiple attempts were made to solicit law enforcement in that area to locate it without success. A plane and pilot out of Billings utilizing low level flights finally located the pickup. The Saturday night after Doug disappeared the pickup was reacquired, parts reinstalled, and shuttled back to Lewistown. Doug was never able to recover to live on his own, drive, or fish and hunt after this event. Doug was a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles, attended the Presbyterian Church, and became an avid fan of the Denver Broncos.

Doug is survived by his mother, Mickey of Lewistown; brother, Dean and wife Kim Dunlap of Great Falls, nephew, Jace Dunlap, of Great Falls, niece Madison Dunlap of Pheonix, AZ, niece Jenny and husband Ryan Wilson of Wolf Point, great-nephew Austin, wife Techea and son Kade of Havre, and great-niece Caitlyn Wilson of Wolf Point. Doug is preceded in death by his brother Dan Dunlap, and father, Marvin Dunlap.

Funeral services for Doug will be held at the First Presbyterian Church, 215 5th Ave So., Lewistown, MT on Saturday, May 17th at 11:00 a.m.

Creel Funeral Home is assisting with the arrangements. Douglas' family and friends can share memories and condolences at www.creelfuneralhome.com