Percy Douglas Cheape Jr.

P. Douglas Cheape, Jr., 87, died in Lakeway, Texas, on August 31, 2019. He was preceded in death by his parents, Percy D. Cheape and Helen Ward Cheape McMurdo, and his wife of 62 years, Carol Ault Cheape. He is survived by three children, Michael Cheape (Sharon) and their children Lauren Matsumoto and Matthew Cheape; Paul Cheape (Emi) and their children Jesse Cheape, Brandon Cheape, and Kaylyn Cheape; and Allison Cheape Parks (Randy) and their children Christina Riggs and Eric Parks; and their dog Taco, whom they rescued in Hawaii and brought with them to enjoy their retirement in Texas. Douglas was the proud great-grandfather of Noah Matsumoto, and was looking forward to the birth of his second great-grandchild, whose birth is anticipated for December 25, 2019, his wife’s birthday.

Douglas was born to Helen Ward Cheape and Percy Douglas Cheape in York, Pennsylvania, in 1932. After the death of his father in 1947 he moved to Charlottesville, Virginia. He graduated from Lane High School in Charlottesville. It was in the Lane High school band that he met his childhood sweetheart and the love of his life, Carol Gwin Ault. They were married at the University of Virginia Chapel in 1953.

In 1958 the young couple moved to Hawaii, where he had accepted a position with C & H Sugar. During his long career there they lived on Oahu, Maui, Kauai, and Hawaii. In the almost fifty years that he and Carol lived in Hawaii they welcomed families and friends from the mainland for extended visits, and always with a smile, a hug, and a lei. He was active in St. Stephen's Episcopal Church in Wahiawa and in his children's school activities. In 2006, now retired from the sugar industry and their children grown and successful, he and Carol moved to Austin Texas, here they once again began a new life, volunteering at St. David's South Austin Medical Center and Lakeway Regional Medical Center. He was a Mason for 63 years, and at the time of his death he was a member of Schofield Masonic Lodge. He was very proud of his service in the Marine Corps during the Korean conflict and attended many reunions of his comrades in arms.

Douglas was known for his quiet grace and common sense approach to life. He was loyal to his family and friends and gloried in the accomplishments of his children and grandchildren. He was beloved by his children, grandchildren, family and friends, and was admired and respected by all who knew him. He and Carol read each others’ minds, finished each others’ sentences, and were best friends and soul mates, a shining example of a successful marriage. He will be sorely missed by everyone who knew him.

He will be laid to rest by the side of his beloved wife at a private family service in Mililani, Hawaii at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Shriners Hospital for Children - Honolulu.