Doug was born to Bill and Iona Archer in Paxton, Illinois on June 27, 1947. He graduated from Paxton High School and received a Bachelor of Business degree from Southern Illinois University where he was a member of the Phi Sigma Kappa fraternity. It was at SIU where he met the love of his life and his best friend, Patricia Theiss, on a blind date. They were married on December 20, 1969.
Doug was a veteran, having served as an officer in the Navy after graduating college. He was deployed on missions in Vietnam on the USS Tucker and later in Iran. After his military service, Doug found a way to apply his always outgoing personality in the field of medical equipment sales with Chesebrough-Pond's. His career evolved quickly from salesman to his final career stop as the CEO of Sun Medical, Inc.
More important than any aspect of his career were the enduring friendships he formed throughout his life. From Illinois to California to Washington to Connecticut, and of course, Texas, Doc forged deep and lasting relationships. He never met a stranger and he always cared more about others than himself. He was equally adept at discussing politics, UT sports, golf or delivering a perfectly timed “Pop joke” (like a dad joke, but better). Always one to enjoy life to the fullest, Doc ran thousands of miles training and racing including 15 marathons, skied avidly (with Telluride being his favorite mountain), traveled to over 45 countries, played hundreds of rounds of golf, and continually sought ways to capture the best of every moment he spent with family and friends. Pop cherished supporting and watching his kids and grandkids in everything they tried or accomplished in life. He was an old-school coach and motivator, but always a cheerleader as well. In retirement, Doc and Pat continued traveling the globe and spending time with their children and grandchildren.
Doug is survived by his wife of 52 years, Pat Archer, their son Scott William Archer (Courtney) of San Antonio, Texas and their daughter Kathryn Elizabeth Archer of Pflugerville, Texas. He also leaves behind three grandchildren: Jack William Archer, Caroline Marie Archer and Lucas Earl Archer, all of whom knew and loved him as their Pop. Doug was the third eldest of four siblings and leaves behind Bill Archer, Lila Beland (Larry), and Teresa Archer-Smith (Pat). He is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.
The family would like to express their deepest gratitude to all the physicians, nurses and caregivers that provided care over the years as well as to family and friends for their continuous love and support.
A memorial Mass will be held on Monday, August 8th at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church (2700 W. Spring Creek Parkway, Plano, TX 75023 in the Parish Activity Center) at 11 a.m. with a reception following. A private interment will follow at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery in St. Louis, Missouri. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to St. Elizabeth’s: https://membership.faithdirect.net/givenow/TX775/22517
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St. Elizabeth Ann Seton2700 W. Spring Creek PKWY, Plano, TX 75023
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