Forrest "Doug" Douglas Vander Pol

Forrest Douglas Vander Pol, known as "Doug" to friends or "my hero" to his grandkids, passed peacefully on 6/26/24 at his home in Etowah, NC. Born on a farm in Douglas County, SD on July 29, 1935, Doug's mother hung a dish towel on the wind charger to alert neighbors that she needed help. Doug attended primary to high school in Corsica, SD.
He grew up in an era when child labor laws did not apply. Doug was driving a truck hauling commercial combines from Arkansas to North Dakota before he was old enough for a driver's license. This set him up for trying different vocations throughout his adult life, of which he had many. Doug Vander Pol was quite an entrepreneur.
He enjoyed many careers from Military Air Policeman in the Air Force from 1955 – 1958 (Reserves until 1963) first in Korea and finally as a member of the Honor Guard in Washington, D.C. Following his service to our country he attended college at Black Hills State in Spearfish, SD. He was awarded bachelor's degrees in English & Social Sciences magna cum laude in 2 ½ yrs. with 3 small children, his brother and his lovely, exhausted wife all living in an 8' x 28' mobile home. From schoolteacher to custom home builder to farmer to truck driver, and running cement companies, the past 35 years Doug and his wife have owned Vander Pol's Nursery in St. Cloud, FL.
A wandering spirit, Doug lived in 8 states and countless cities and towns. He never met a stranger and was exceptionally kind, compassionate, funny, driven and would outwork anyone on a job. His passions were anything with an engine, teaching his kids and grandchildren the meaning of hard work, hunting and reading maps. Doug is survived by his wife and partner-in-life of 64 years Marlene, children Kim (Jimmy Richardson), Jackie, Joey (Pat Brannigan) & Rick, 7 grandchildren, numerous great-grandchildren, sister Dolores "Spark" and brother Mark. Doug passed just a few days before his 64th wedding anniversary.
A Celebration of Doug's life will be held at 4:00 pm on June 29, 2024, at Doug & Marlene's home in Etowah, NC, and again at 4:00 pm on July 29, 2024, Doug's birthdate at their home in St. Cloud, FL for family and friends.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Tunnels for Towers in Doug's honor for those wishing to commemorate this incredible man's life at https://www.tmcfunding.com/funds/tunnel-to-towers-foundation/10617/. Our heartfelt thanks to the caregivers and hospice team for all the love and support you provided to Doug and our family. Shuler Funeral Home has the honor of serving the Vander Pol family.