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Douglas Wasson

1946 - 2021

Douglas Wasson obituary, 1946-2021, Lawrence, KS

Douglas Wasson Obituary

Douglas Charles Wasson, 74, went to be with his heavenly Father on April 1, 2021, after a battle with leukemia and Parkinson's disease. He passed away peacefully at home, surrounded and cared for by his family. He is survived by his wife of nearly 50 years, Barbara Allen Wasson, and children Joel Wasson of Lawrence, KS; twins Marianne Wasson of Alexandria, VA and Casey Ellis (husband Cary) of Williamsburg, VA; and Quinn Wasson of New York, NY. He is also survived by sisters Janet, Lucinda, and Pamela; brother Roy; and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother Christopher.

Doug was born August 26, 1946, in North Tonawanda, NY to David Henry and Virginia May (Martin) Wasson. He graduated from Miami High School in Miami, OK, where he made many lifelong friends. He studied variously at Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College, Stephens College, and the University of Kansas (KU), where he matriculated with a Bachelor of Arts in Theater. His theater studies at KU granted him opportunities to act and direct at the Creede Repertory Theater in Colorado, and tour with a production in Eastern Europe behind the Iron Curtain, which left an indelible impression on him. He was drafted by the U.S. Army and served in Vietnam, being honorably discharged in 1971.

Doug worked as a printer and a small business owner in Lawrence, KS, where he was a member of the local Rotary Club. He remained active in theater throughout his life; he and Barbara were founding members of the Lawrence Community Theater (now Theater Lawrence) and Doug was a regular performer there and in other venues throughout his life. He was an avid sports fan, especially when it came to KU basketball, and also coached his son Quinn's soccer team for several seasons. An enthusiastic traveler (he visited 49 of the 50 states), Doug took his family all over the country on multiple road trips. His kids still remember him driving a minivan into downtown New York City during rush hour and, overseas, ably navigating the left side of the road in the British Isles.

Doug's greatest love was his family. He always said the best decision he ever made was to have children, and he never hesitated to tell his kids how much he loved them. He taught them to be honest and generous, to never a hold a grudge, to take an interest in others and treat them with kindness no matter how they treat you, and to value our freedoms as Americans. He taught them the Bible every morning before school and set the example of a faithful Christian. He also passed along to them his love of theater, teaching them Shakespeare, building them stage flats for their childhood basement productions, making home movies with them, and teaching them how to carry themselves with poise. He leaves a legacy of love, kindness, and a sense of humor, which he kept to the very end. He will be deeply missed by his family and friends.

A memorial service is planned for Friday, June 4, 2021 at Connect Church in Lawrence. (A virtual attendance option will be provided.) In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to benefit the Lawrence Rotary Arboretum, with checks payable to the Lawrence Rotary Foundation at P.O. Box 442162, Lawrence, KS, 66044 (please add a notation indicating the gift is in Doug's memory); or a contribution in Doug's memory to the Miami (OK) Public Schools Enrichment Foundation to fund an annual theatrical and visual arts scholarship for a Miami High School senior.

Published by Lawrence Journal-World on Apr. 13, 2021.
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Memories and Condolences
for Douglas Wasson

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We were so saddened to hear of Doug's passing. Chris really enjoyed getting to know Doug in "Curtains" several years ago and speaks so fondly of get-togethers with you two after rehearsal. Our thoughts are with you, Barb.

Kaye & Chris Drahozal

April 28, 2021

Our beloved father Bob Bong was a long time associate and friend w/ Mr. Wasson when they both were working at Allen Press and Mr. Wasson used to play tennis w/ our father. Our condolences and heartfelt sympathies to Mrs. Wasson and Mr. Wasson's families.

The Bong boys, Jim (Dallas), John (The Woodlands/Houston), and Jerry (Chicago).

James Bong

Friend

April 21, 2021

Barbara, I’m so very for the loss of your dear husband.

Martha Barrand

Classmate

April 18, 2021

My heart goes out to my classmate and dear friend, Barb Wasson, and her children on the passing of her husband Doug. May he rest in peace.

Helen Pendleton Rumbaut

Friend

April 18, 2021

Barb and family,
I am so sorry for your families loss.
Please accept our condolences.
Barbara Wente Linke

Barbara Wente Linke

Classmate

April 16, 2021

I had the opportunity to sell Doug paper at Allen Press. He was honest and fair with his suppliers. I also became friends with Doug and attended several plays he performed in. He was a great actor. What Doug loved most was his family and he was very proud of his children. May all the positive memories of Doug fill the void his passing leaves. Rest In Peace my friend.

Bruce McSpadden

Friend

April 15, 2021

Vale Uncle Doug. What a beautiful tribute-he will be remembered as a creative, kind man who loved his family.

Kara Allen Smith

Family

April 14, 2021

Doug and I were brothers-in-law and, later in life, worked together for several years. He was always a class act, possessed the highest possible business and personal ethics.

We were close friends for more than 50 years.

I was concerned for him as he experienced some personal disappointments in later years. But I was gratified his life rallied lately, that he was able to experience happiness with his family and experienced peace.
At the end.

A “Hail Mary” for Doug and his family.

Grant R. Bannen

April 14, 2021

Doug was my beloved brother who was a kind and generous family member. He was a very talented actor and public speaker with a wonderful sense of humor. I will miss him greatly.

Janet Zehr

Sister

April 14, 2021

I first met Doug through business association, but he quickly became a good friend as we shared a number of interests, especially sports. He possessed a great memory of sports trivia and we constantly tried to outguess each other. He was a gentle man, so easy to know and had a great love for acting in plays and productions. But his most impressive virtue to me was his feelings for his family and how proud he was of them. He will be dearly missed by all who knew him.

Arlen Walters

Friend

April 14, 2021

Marianne and Casey, I am sorry for your loss. Praying that you find strength in your family as you mourn your father's passing. God bless.

Jack Healy

Teacher

April 14, 2021

Uncle Doug was a kind, patient, and gentle man that was supportive of all of his friends and family. The world is a better place with more men like Uncle Doug serving as an example to all. He will be missed by those that were fortunate enough to have him in their sphere.

Bart Forman

Family

April 14, 2021

I was very saddened to learn of Doug’s death. May his memory be a blessing.

Liz Kundin

Friend

April 13, 2021

Doug will be sorely missed. Such a kind and generous man. He was not only my uncle, but I also got to act with him and direct him in a play. Memories I hold fondly. We are thinking of you all.

Mike, Megan, Hank and Gus Bannen

Family

April 13, 2021

We are so sorry to hear of Doug's passing. He and his family often lit up our lives with their friendship and activities. A consoling legacy
is that his spirit will live on in his children who will continue to share his talent and life lessons with others.

Valerie & Craig Foos

Friend

April 13, 2021

Doug was a multi-talented and gentle man. He was always encouraging, helpful, and honest with those around him. We’re better because he was here.

Judy Heller

Friend

April 13, 2021

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