Zachary McDougald

1987 - 2024

KENDALLVILLE - Zachary Paul "Doogie" McDougald, 37, of Kendallville, passed away on Tuesday, June 18, 2024, at Cleveland Clinic in Cleveland, Ohio, surrounded by his loving family, as well as the friends he had made within the excellent staff of Cleveland Clinic. That's what happens when you are dubbed the "favorite patient," by all whom who had the pleasure to care for him during his four-year battle with heart failure.

He was born on April 25, 1987, in Auburn, Indiana, to Paul Douglas and Margaret Elizabeth (Inman) McDougald.

Zac grew up in the Waterloo area and was a graduate of Dekalb High School where he made lifelong friends, participated in football, track and field, and even had a small stint in musical theater.

He worked as a purchasing agent for Forest River, Inc. He thrived working with vendors as well as production workers and made fast friends all around. He was sorely missed when he became too ill to continue the work that gave him so much pleasure and maybe just a little stress.

On Nov. 23, 2021, he finally bit the bullet and married his longtime (10 years to the day) girlfriend, Cassandra K. Davis, otherwise known as the love and light of his life. She survives him in Kendallville, along with his fur-babies Mollie, Neptune, Luna and Dobby Cat. As well as the three dogs, Freya, Ruby and Willow, that he did not claim but his wife did.

Zac was many things to many people, and he wore many a hat. He was a devoted husband, a caring son, a thoughtful brother, and ultimately a friend to all. His warm magnetic nature attracted people to him from all walks of life. He never met a stranger and had the kindest, softest heart. He loved deeply and laughed from the depths of his soul. He thought of himself as a wallflower, but he lit up every room that was graced with his presence.

Zac was a warrior, and a patriot through and through. He was raised in an USAF family and was an avid supporter of the armed forces and contributed to many organizations dedicated to taking care of veterans. Although he was not able to serve himself, he fought his own battle valiantly, with the strength and the courage of a thousand armies. His bravery, grace, and humility in the face of the greatest of adversities will forever be remembered by all who traveled life with him.

Along with his wife, Cassandra, he is survived by his father, Paul D. McDougald, of Waterloo, Indiana; his mother, Margaret E. Inman, of Ashely, Indiana; a brother, Jacob (Callie) McDougald, of Auburn, Indiana; nephews, Hudson and Grady McDougald; a father-in-law, James B. Davis, of Hudson, Indiana; sisters-in-law, Ginny (Bryan) Gonzales, of Grand Prairie, Texas, and Kaitelyn Davis, of Hudson, Indiana.

A viewing will be held on Saturday, June 22, 2024, at Frurip-May Funeral Home, 309 W. Michigan St., LaGrange, Indiana, from 2-6 p.m.

Funeral services will be held at the funeral home on Sunday, June 23, 2024, at 2 p.m., with a viewing one hour prior to the service.

In leu of flowers, the family recommends donating in Zac's memory to the Wounded Warriors Project or the American Heart Association.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.fruripmayfuneralhome.com.

Frurip-May Funeral Home, LaGrange, Indiana, is assisting the family with arrangements.