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Douglas DeGood Obituary
Douglas Kent DeGood was born on May 4, 1947 in Tiffin Mercy Hospital, Tiffin, Ohio. His family moved to Toledo in 1956. He was a graduate of Whitmer High School, where he played basketball and served as Senior Class President, then received a Bachelors and Masters in Political Science from the University of Toledo. He was a program developer for the YMCA and also served on the county Board of Education. Always interested in politics and public service, he was elected to Toledo City Council in 1975. When he was elected mayor in 1977 at age 30, he was the youngest big-city mayor in the nation.
During his three terms as Mayor, there were both highs and lows. One of his proudest accomplishments was the building of the riverfront SeaGate complex and the Portside Festival Marketplace -- both cornerstones of Toledo's downtown development efforts. In June 1983, following his endorsement by local Democrats, he decided not to seek a fourth term. After owning a small business, he moved into consulting, and worked for several local companies and public entities. He and his wife Karen relocated to Atlanta in 2000.
Doug remained loyal to Toledo, reading The Blade daily and rooting for his beloved Rockets. Doug and Karen and their sons enjoyed camping and coproduced a public broadcasting series in 1988 called Carefree Camping.
Doug was a committed husband and dedicated and involved father, and was with his family in Washington D.C. for Thanksgiving when he fell and suffered a traumatic brain injury. He died Sunday, December 1st. in Georgetown University Hospital. Doug is survived by his wife of 44 years, Karen (Chapman); his sons, Alex (Nancy) and Kevin (Lucy); four grandchildren, Maya, Sasha, Gus and George and a sister, Janis Tobias (Tom). He was preceded in death by his father, Kenneth (Casey) and mother, Freda DeGood.
Contributions in his memory may be made to a University of Toledo scholarship fund.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Douglas DeGood
Suzanne Olson Woodring
December 17, 2019
Karen - Dessa Monroe Oh my so sorry to hear this
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Wendelyn Hrabak Wasn't Doug DeGood Toledo Mayor at some point?
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Wendelyn Hrabak Ok. He was. I just read the news report.
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Kathryn E Johnson So very sorry
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Ben Wendell Please convey my condolences. It would be good to somehow invite Karen to this group.
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Kathy Spade Ledyard My deepest sympathies
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Jane Griffith Earps So sorry to hear. Prayers for her.
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Nancy Walters Sorry to hear this. Karen was my family friend since before we went to school. Our parents were very good friends.
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Judi Robbins Rosen Condolences to Karen and her family
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Linda Berg Feasel My condolences to Karen and her family.
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David Stohl Suzanne, please extend condolences to Karen and her family.
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Write a commentthis is from your class at DeVilbiss.
Rich Iott
December 7, 2019
I remember Doug very well. He was instrumental in putting the City on a sound footing and moving it forward in the right direction. My father, Wally, who was active in civic matters behind the scene, always spoke highly of Doug - even when they didn't see eye-to-eye. He was a fine gentleman who had a lasting effect on our hometown. My condolences to his family and friends.
James and Patricia Kessler
December 6, 2019
So sorry for your loss.
Cathy Tobias-Thibodeau
December 6, 2019
My deepest sympathy to you and your family.
Matthew E
December 6, 2019
I had the pleasure of eating lunch with Doug on a daily basis for three years, 2013-2016, at The Famous Pub in North Druid hills, GA. He was very smart, loved to talk politics, had a good sense of humor and lived a good life.
Barbara Hendel
December 6, 2019
Dear Karen and Family.
I am so sorry about Doug.
He was a fine and admired man. I became acquainted with Doug while in the corporate world. He was the new young mayor bursting with ideas and drawing people to become involved, which I did as a volunteer. I also saw him at the Press Club when it was THE place to be for lunch. I will always remember him for his kindness and great way with people.
My deepest sympathy.
Barbara Hendel, The Blade
Robert Mustain
December 6, 2019
Many great memories of Doug at Whitmer, and working on his first campaign, for senior class president. A friend who I did not see often but thought of frequently. RIP
Mel Arndt
December 5, 2019
Ruhe in Frieden Doug.....
Diane Lamb
December 5, 2019
My condolences to Karen and family.
Diane Lamb Toledo Ohio
December 5, 2019
doug and I taugh together in delta ohio. he was a friend and great "strong mayor". My condolences to his family. Jack Wlodarz san tan valley az.
Tom Betts
December 5, 2019
Doug and I grew up together on Schroeder Dr. next to Whitmer High School. We often played basketball in his back yard and baseball at the athletic field behind Jefferson Jr. High. We also played little league during the summer and his dad was our coach. Doug was a good athlete a decent human being and a good friend. Condolences to his family and he will not be forgotten. RIP old friend.
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