Darrell Duane Douthit

Though impossible to condense his life to a few words, Duane will be most remembered for his natural curiosity, his artistic vision, his work ethic, and his quiet yet heartfelt loyalty to family, country, alma-mater, and employer.

Duane was born in Shelbyville, Indiana on August 29, 1922 to Hazel and Darlie Douthit, one of their six children. In Shelbyville, along the banks of the Blue River, Duane developed his eye for nature's detail and his love of "knockingaround." This unique perspective served him well as he attended Shelbyville High School and worked as a photographer on the yearbook and newspaper staff. His love of photography continued into his World War II military service, where he enlisted and served in the Seventh Photo Reconnaissance Group.

Following the war, Duane studied Chemistry at Hanover College, where he was a member of Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity. He retained strong ties to and fond memories of both throughout his life. After college, he met and later married Norma Louise Pfaffenberger. Together they were a model of their generation, living simply, loving strongly, and working diligently to raise their family of five children.

Always the scientist, Duane's professional career started in the laboratory of Mobil Oil Corporation in Indianapolis, Indiana. Though he later moved out of the laboratory and into the sales force for Johns-Manville and Cron Chemical, he always held a special fondness for waste-water filtration and the chemical properties of diatomaceous earth.

Duane's warmth and easy smile won hearts wherever he went. He will be remembered as a beloved husband, father, G-Pa, brother, uncle, and friend. Duane is preceded in death by his wife of 41 years, Norma Douthit, and son Dr. Douglas Douthit. Duane is survived by his brother John Douthit of St. Paul, Minneapolis, his children Denise Douthit (Douglas) of Wichita, Kansas; Gaynel Douthit McKeever (Urbin) of Fort Worth, Texas; Nancy Douthit McMath (James) of Burleson, Texas; Tom Douthit (Celia) of Houston, Texas; and Laura Douthit Kohlmaier (Joe) of Houston, Texas. Also surviving Duane are his ten grandchildren Becky McMath Hernandez (Jesse), Kristen McKeever Robinson (Court), Jimmy McMath (Jessica), Cody McMath (Ashley Slowiak) , Halle Douthit Harper (Seth), Sam Douthit, Joel Douthit, Emily Douthit, Jared Douthit, and Amy Douthit, and his four great-grandchildren Anna Grace Robinson, Cale Harper, Lainie Harper, and Johnny Dennis.

Duane's life will be celebrated in a small family service.