Douglas Glenn Chmiel

Douglas Glenn Chmiel, age 43, passed away on Friday, March 13, 2026, in a tragic accident while serving in the line of duty with the Huntington Woods Department of Public Works. Douglas was born on May 9, 1982, in Farmington Hills, Michigan, to Terry and Jacqui Chmiel. He grew up in Redford, Michigan, where he formed a childhood friendship with his future wife, Dawn (Taylor) Chmiel. Together they built a loving family and were blessed with three children: Penelope, 12; Elinor, 9; and Griffin, 7.

Douglas graduated from Redford Union High School and later attended Central Michigan University, where he majored in History and Museum Studies. While at CMU, he joined the Phi Kappa Tau fraternity and formed lasting friendships. In college, he would join the Michigan Army National Guard.

Doug served in the 119th Field Artillery Regiment for 6 years. During that time he was reclassified as a Military Police and deployed to Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, in support of Operation Enduring Freedom from 2003-2004.

Doug was a man of many interests and talents. In high school, he played football and developed a love of both ice and inline hockey. He enjoyed board games and card games with friends and family. Recently, the family had even begun learning to ski together. Like his grandfather, Doyle Barber, Doug had a passion for woodworking and loved creating things with his hands.

More than anything, Doug was a man of faith. He was deeply devoted to our Lord Jesus Christ and sought to live that faith in a steady, practical way in his daily life. He formed meaningful and lasting friendships through Faith Covenant Church, where he and his family are active members. Doug desired above all to lead his family in a Christ-centered home, striving to be a faithful husband and father, and to raise his children to know, love, and follow the Lord. His faith was not just something he professed, but something he lived—through his work, his relationships, and his love for his family.

Perhaps the best way to describe Doug is through the analogy of gravity: if you met him, you were pulled into his orbit. He possessed a natural charisma that drew people in and made them feel welcome. If you knew him, you loved him. Doug was always ready to lend a hand—whether to members of his church family, neighbors, friends, or anyone in his community who needed help.

He is now at home with the Lord Jesus.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Dawn and the children as they navigate this profound loss.

Visitation will be held at Harry J. Will Funeral Home, 37000 W Six Mile Road, Livonia, MI 48152, US, on March 19, 2026, from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm, on March 20, 2026, from 3:00 pm to 8:00 pm, and on March 21, 2026, from 9:00 am to 10:00 am.

A Funeral Service will take place at Harry J. Will Funeral Home, 37000 W Six Mile Road, Livonia, MI 48152, US, on March 21, 2026, at 10:00 am.