Doug completed a BA and an MA in Education from State College of Iowa (now University of Northern Iowa) where he also operated a coffee house in Cedar Falls. He taught middle school Science in Davenport, IA which prepared him for many of life’s challenges. Doug then became the counselor for visually and multi-impaired youth at the Iowa School for the Blind in Vinton where he met and married the school nurse, Janice Wilson, 45 years ago. After spending the summer of 1969 on a road trip in the US and Canada from coast to coast, they arrived in Austin where Doug obtained his PhD from UT in Special Education, focusing on the blind and visually impaired under Professor Natalie Barraga. He trained vision specialists who successfully served that population nationwide. His work in the Texas Governor’s Coordinating Office for the Visually Handicapped resulted in vital coordination of services across agencies. Doug was instrumental in drafting and implementing legislation at the Texas Department of Health for unified training/certification of vision, hearing and speech/language screeners of children and special needs persons. He and Jan joined other professionals to establish the Texas chapter of the American School Health Association to promote quality health services and health education throughout Texas schools. He was a 50+ year member of the Masonic Grand Lodge of Iowa (Marion Lodge #6). He was active in son Orin’s scouting program through his completion of Eagle Scout rank. In every endeavor, he earned the respect and adoration of his true peers, and did not mind “bucking the system”
Doug was an accomplished athlete and sportsman. He pursued diverse hobbies– rock hunting and lapidary art; boating and fishing; engraving and shooting guns; racing and polishing classy cars; taking amazing road trips. He loved adventure and it usually managed to find him, typically with surprising twists. His last weekend was a gift to those of us joining him at the Vintage Racing nationals at Circuit of the Americas – hearing about cars he’d raced, crashed, rebuilt and enjoyed. His famed Easter hunts will endure in our memories and tales.
Quality time with Doug revealed his true gentleman nature and refined sense of style and compassion. His well-honed humor peeked through even the most serious conversations. We miss him sorely, as we recall – and will find more signs of -his judiciously allotted pearls of wisdom.
Doug will always know the love of “family” in the best sense of the word: Esther Rocarek; Janice, Orin, Jill, and Jocelyn Claire Ozias; Dr. Natalie Barraga; Zane and Shannon Hammonds; Dr. Tom Betz; August Crocker; and Bob Glover cherish the times they shared with him. He diligently supported stepmother Dorothae after his dad’s passing. His teammates at Marion High and special characters, like BJ Stark, Larry Brooks, and Coach Hipple were fodder for great recollections. Cousins Gary, Koleen, Sue and Marilyn are in our thoughts as we remember their stories.
The family appreciates the staff at Scott and White Emergency Hospital in Cedar Park for their valiant efforts and kindnesses.
Douglas preferred impromptu gatherings to formal services. There will be only a private celebration of his life. Doug was not one for most organized groups; any who wish to honor his memory may donate in his name to their favorite charities.
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