Douglas Dean Stolebarger

Douglas Dean Stolebarger was born July 16th, 1947, at Sacred Heart Hospital in Lamar, Colorado. Doug was the first child of five born to Joe and Mildred Stolebarger. Doug passed away Saturday, December 6th, surrounded by family at his home in Springfield, Colorado.

Doug was raised in Two Buttes, Colorado, alongside many siblings, cousins, and wild friends. These include: Sister Cheryl, born October 1950, Sister Priscilla, born January 1955, Sister Thelma, born February 1959, and Sister Paula, born 1966. After spending his childhood in Two Buttes, Doug graduated from Two Buttes High School in 1965 – the last graduating class of Two Buttes. Soon after, Doug enlisted in the Air Force, completing basic training at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas, where he worked as a missile technician. Upon returning home from his service, Doug married Leitha Locke on June 8th, 1969, to which two children were born: Kyle Dean Stolebarger on April 9th, 1970, and Kevin Douglas Stolebarger on November 13th, 1973.

After Doug and Leitha’s marriage, Doug worked at the Town of Springfield Light Plant, John Deere, and Co-op. As their family began, they rented a few houses in Springfield when Kyle was born, and later moved to the living quarters in the back of the Two Buttes’ Post Office as Kevin was born. During this period, Doug also purchased some farmland and started the process of building the family home on Juniper Street in Springfield.

Doug farmed for many years and owned several businesses. Doug and Leitha partnered with Jim and Cheryl to start and operate the Bar 4 Corral Restaurant. Likewise, Doug and Leitha started and operated the D+L Chuckwagon. Doug and Al Shiplett owned the Montgomery Wards for a short time, and then proceeded to work for Spencer Hedgwood drilling wells; Rick Deen as a mechanic; and Ron Drosselmeyer as a mechanic and family.

In 1996, Leitha passed away after a battle with cancer. Thereafter, in 1997, Doug met and began dating Diana Sylvester, with whom he remained until the time of his passing. During that time, Doug caringly welcomed new, extended family and friends. Doug enjoyed many things in life: Trips to Las Vegas and Cripple Creek, family vacations (especially to Hawaii), and all family reunions. Doug loved watching his kids and grandkids play sports as well as participating in school activities or excelling at their interests. He also dearly loved any get-together and visiting with everyone. After retiring, Doug enjoyed cruising around town to visit and see what was happening, and of course, loved his morning and afternoon coffee time with the guys.

Doug was preceded in death by his Parents, Joe and Mildred Stolebarger; Grandparents, Harold and Nellie Smith, Joe and Grace Stolebarger; and Wife, Leitha (Locke) Stolebarger. Doug is survived by Diana Sylvester of Springfield, Travis and Christy Eskew of Pritchett, Kim Gable of St. Maries, Idaho, Sons Kyle Stolebarger of Springfield, Colorado and Kevin Stolebarger and wife Jody of Springfield, Colorado. Grandkids Madison Burdick and Cooper Stolebarger of Springfield, Colorado. Kaylean Orlowski of Marsville, Washington. Leland, Essence, and Tobey Gable of St. Maries, Idaho. Great Grandkids Bodie and Rowan Konkel. Hayes and Bleu Meardon of Springfield, Colorado and many nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, and friends.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial contribution to Baca County Hospice, c/o SECHD, 373 E. 10th Avenue, Springfield, CO 81073; or to the Springfield Booster Club, c/o Springfield High School, P.O. Box 68, Springfield, CO 81073.