The Dallas Morning News
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Douglas Allen Emerson, 78, of Plano, Texas, passed away peacefully on Saturday, September 19, 2020, with his wife by his side.
Doug was born on February 24, 1942 in Aurora, Illinois as the oldest child of Dorothy Maxine (Nies) and Robert Carlisle Emerson. He spent his childhood in Aurora before moving to Ottawa in high school, graduating from Ottawa Township High School in 1960. Doug attended the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, and was a member of Theta Chi Fraternity. After graduating with a degree in finance in 1964, Doug enlisted in the United States Army. He attended boot camp at Fort Leonard Wood in the Missouri Ozarks, and went through Officer Candidacy School at Fort Sill, Oklahoma before transferring to Fort Bliss in El Paso, Texas as a Second Lieutenant. During the Vietnam War, Doug was trained on the specialty escort convoy gun - the M42 Duster, a 40mm self-propelled anti-aircraft vehicle.
While stationed at Fort Bliss, Doug met the love of his life, Mary Alice (Marusich). They married in January 1968 and started their over half-a-century journey together. He retired from the U.S. Army a First Lieutenant and chose to follow in his father's footsteps, pursuing a career in insurance with Prudential. Doug became a Prudential Agent Emeritus after 40 years, and continued in insurance sales as an independent broker. Doug exemplified the qualities of loyalty and stability, and embodied the virtue of a strong work ethic. He demonstrated this best by refusing to retire, serving clients up until his final days. Doug was a man of honest words and quiet strength, and when he spoke, you listened.
All who knew Doug knew of his love of golf with his core group of friends that played religiously at Hurricane Creek Country Club for almost 30 years. He also enjoyed a solid game of poker and a good clean joke. Doug absolutely lit up when talking about his 10 grandchildren and loved being a part of each of their lives by attending their many games and school activities, and supporting them in all endeavors. His grandchildren, in return, certainly adored their Papa.
Doug is survived by his wife of 52 years, Mary, and his three daughters and their families: Chrissy and Roger Braugh, Jr. and their children, Evelyn, Audrey and Cullen of Corpus Christi, Texas; Kathy and Kirk Dreyer and their children, Kyle, Luke, Mark and Neve of Richardson, Texas; and Sarah and James "JD" Dudley and their children, Gray, Emerson and Maryn of Richardson, Texas. Doug is also survived by his two younger sisters, Barbara Emerson Mossman of Boise, Idaho and Deborah Emerson of Fairview, Texas. He leaves behind many beloved nieces, nephews, extended family and dear friends.
Doug's resting place will be at St. Mark the Evangelist Catholic Church columbarium, the family's parish of almost 50 years.
The family is heartbroken by Doug's passing, but is comforted knowing that he is in eternal peace with his Heavenly Father. They would like to thank family and friends for all their love and support.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Doug's memory to COPDFoundation.org to fund research to help improve the lives of loved ones living with progressive lung diseases.
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