Douglas Lee McFee

Douglas Lee McFee LEWES - Douglas Lee McFee, of Lewes, died peacefully on Saturday, Jan. 16, 2010, at his residence with his loving wife Maryann by his side after a lengthy struggle with emphysema. Doug was born in Milwaukee, Wis., on Nov. 20, 1935, the second son of Leon and Marguerite who have predeceased him in death. His brother, Tom, also left this earth in June of 2006. The McFee family moved to the nation's capital in Doug's early youth, eventually settling in Montgomery County where he resided for more than fifty years. He attended Bethesda Chevy Chase High School graduating in 1953 and worked for McIntire Hardware in his early career. Doug also served in the U. S. Army Reserves in 319th Tank Battalion, 66th Armor, and was Honorably Discharged in October of 1962. Doug found his true calling when he began his career as a police officer with the Montgomery County Maryland Department of Police in late 1961. He retired at the rank of Captain having served in many capacities and assignments including Director of Personnel and as District Commander of the Silver Spring District. He earned a Bachelor's degree from the University of Maryland while working with the Police department. He was well liked and respected in his career and known for supporting his troops even in the face of controversy. In 1978, Doug was the recipient of the department's first Gold Medal, the highest honor given for bravery. His efforts in helping to resolve a hostage situation at a bank in Silver Spring earned this honor. After learning of a line of duty death of a friend and comrade, Doug wrote a well known poem entitled, "Our Brother is Gone." It is still read today in many areas across the nation to honor the line of duty deaths of law enforcement personnel. Doug and his family had relocated to Lewes in 1993 after 31 years of dedicated service with Montgomery County. In addition to his wife, Doug is also survived by five children, Debbie, Doug, Maureen, Megan, and Kara McFee; five grandchildren will also remember him fondly, Mallory Christensen, Mason McFee, Annabelle Josephs, Julianna Diaco, and Jack Streiff along with great grandchildren, Jaxon and Brooklynn Christensen. Doug truly enjoyed life and especially his relationships with family and friends. He was quick witted and always had a joke or a smile to warm one's day. He was a sincere and caring person whose heart was extremely large. He will be greatly missed by all! A Memorial Service in his honor will be 2 p.m., Sunday, Jan. 24, at the Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, Atkins-Lodge Chapel, 16961 Kings Highway, Lewes. Entombment immediately following at Bethel Methodist Cemetery, Savannah Road, Lewes. Friends may visit with the family beginning at 1 p.m. at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, friends and family may make a contribution to Delaware Hospice, 100 Patriots Way, Milford, DE 19963; or Heroes, Inc., 1100 G Street NW, Suite 300, Washington, DC 20005. Sign guest book at www.parsellfuneralhomes.com.