Douglas Miles Sassaman

Douglas Miles Sassaman, of Riverside, CA, passed away peacefully at the age of 76 on Saturday, November 1, 2025, at the Sassaman family home. He was surrounded by the love of his wife of 54 years, his son, and his daughter. His death followed many years of living with dementia.

Douglas was born in Culver City, CA, on June 8, 1949, to the late Betty Lou Callentine and Walter Henry Sassaman of West Covina, California. He grew up in West Covina alongside his brother, Walter Henry Sassman II.

After high school, Douglas was drafted into the U.S. Army during the Vietnam Conflict and proudly served his country for two years. Upon returning home, he married his high school sweetheart, Debra Jean Schmidt. Douglas first worked alongside his father in construction before establishing himself as a successful owner-operator of a trucking company, specializing in hauling sand and gravel.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 54 years, Debra Jean Sassaman; his son, Douglas Miles Sassaman II; his daughter, Jennifer Jean Deaver, and her husband, Stephen Richard Deaver. Douglas was a cherished grandfather to six grandchildren:Morgan Klyee Cail, Aiden Jacob Deaver, Jacob Miles Sassaman, Emma Lake Cail, Layla Elizabeth Deaver, and Sofia Isabella Sassaman. Also survived by his aunt and uncle, cousins, a sister-in-law and 2 nieces.

Flowers are welcome, or donations may be made in Douglas’s memory to the Dementia Society or the Alzheimer's Association.