Douglas Lee Etter

Douglas Lee Etter obituary, Carmel, IN

Douglas Lee Etter

Upcoming Events

Nov

20

Visitation

10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Flanner Buchanan – Carmel

325 East Carmel Drive, Carmel, IN 46032

Send Flowers

Nov

20

Funeral service

12:00 p.m.

Flanner Buchanan – Carmel

325 East Carmel Drive, Carmel, IN 46032

Send Flowers

Services provided by

Flanner Buchanan - Carmel

Only 2 days left for delivery to next service.

Douglas Etter Obituary

Visit the Flanner Buchanan - Carmel website to view the full obituary.

Douglas Lee Etter, 55, of Carmel, Indiana, passed away on November 13, 2025. He was born on July 19, 1970, in Lebanon, Indiana, to H. Gene and Ramona Etter.

A graduate of Lebanon High School and Ball State University, Doug’s business acumen took him around the world, but he was happiest at home in shorts and a hoodie – mowing fields, operating a combine, and cheering on the Indianapolis Colts, Purdue University and the Indiana Pacers. He lived life with few inhibitions, belting out 80s rock ballads, air-guitaring with abandon, and hilariously annihilating the English language while somehow managing to get his point across.

He loved his family deeply and was immensely proud of his three children. Coaching them in various sports, he shared his love of the game and lessons about teamwork, resilience, and heart with countless young athletes and families.

Beneath his tough exterior, he was gentle and generous. In his final act of charity, he has brought hope and life to others by choosing to be an organ donor. He will forever be remembered as a loving and fiercely loyal husband, dad, son, brother, coach, and friend.

Doug is survived by his devoted wife, Tiffany Etter, and three cherished children, Samantha, Andrew, and Marissa Etter, who were the light of his life. He is also survived by his mother, Ramona Etter, his brother, Michael (Cathy) Etter, and his sister, Debra (Bill) Bubenzer, as well as extended family including in-laws, nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his father, H. Gene Etter and brother, Steven Etter.

A visitation will be held on Thursday, November 20, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., with a funeral service to follow at 12:00 p.m., at Flanner Buchanan – Carmel, 325 E. Carmel Drive, Carmel, IN 46032. There will be a private graveside service at Oak Hill Cemetery in Lebanon, IN.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Doug’s memory to the Indiana Donor Network or to Carmel Dads’ Club.

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

Flanner Buchanan - Carmel

325 E Carmel Dr, Carmel, IN 46032

Make a Donation
in Douglas Etter's name

Plan and Price a Funeral

Create a funeral plan and price estimate in less than 5 minutes.

How to support Douglas's loved ones
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Poems of Mourning and Comfort

The best poems for funerals, memorial services., and cards.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief

Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
Ways to honor Douglas Etter's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more

Sponsored

Upcoming Events

Nov

20

Visitation

10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Flanner Buchanan – Carmel

325 East Carmel Drive, Carmel, IN 46032

Send Flowers

Nov

20

Funeral service

12:00 p.m.

Flanner Buchanan – Carmel

325 East Carmel Drive, Carmel, IN 46032

Send Flowers

Services provided by

Flanner Buchanan - Carmel

Only 2 days left for delivery to next service.

Plan and Price a Funeral

Create a funeral plan and price estimate in less than 5 minutes.