Douglas Frank Oliver, Sr.

Douglas Frank Oliver, Sr., son of Arna and Josephine Theresa (Esposito) Oliver, was born March 2, 1951 in Cortland, New York, where he grew up and attended school. Doug departed this life May 21, 2010, at his daughter’s home near Waynesville, Missouri, at the age of 59 years, 2 months and 19 days. On August 3, 1970, Doug was enlisting in the U.S. Marine Corp in Riverside, California, the very day his draft number came up. Soon thereafter, Doug was sent to Vietnam. He was a proud and true soldier, and was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with one bronze service star, and the Good Conduct Medal along with several other awards and commendations. Lance Corporal Oliver received his honorable discharge in 1972, and continued service to his country in the Reserves for several years. After spending 28 years with the love of his life, Doug exchanged wedding vows with Cathy Leah (Evans) Brogden on October 10, 2004, in Walnut Grove, Missouri. In both Missouri and California, Doug worked for many years in the recycling industry. He loved being a weight master and forklift driver; so much so, that he enjoyed scrapping when he was away from work. He also enjoyed fishing, taking long walks and thunder storms. Doug enjoyed watching all the birds that would gather around their bird feeders in California, but truly enjoyed the beautiful red Cardinals in Missouri. Doug loved nothing in his life more than time spent with Cathy or the grandchildren. Time spent with his grandchildren meant being involved in all aspects of their lives. When they were small, and were stalling at bedtime, he made “magic milk,” a magic potion of milk with sprinkles or other surprises in their bedtime liquid. Their other favorite grandpa treat was BBQ sauce popcorn. When Doug was an infant, he was baptized and confirmed in the Catholic faith. In 2004, he re-dedicated his life to the Lord in the Baptist Church in Walnut Grove, where he and Cathy were married. Doug was very dearly loved, and will be very greatly missed by his wife: Cathy; six children: Cassondra Brogden and Robert Brogden (Candace Amerson), Waynesville, Tracy Kent (Kenny), Ozark, Kristina DeSomer, Sullivan, Rose Schultz, Fairfax, Virginia, and Douglas Oliver, Jr., Riverside, California; ten grandchildren: Katelynn, Dakotah, Kristian, Cameron, Jordan, Autumn, Zachary, Daniel, Jr., Francesca and Persephone; other relatives and friends. Doug was preceded in death by his young grandson: Aaron, in 1996. Memorial services with military honors were held at 1:00 P.M. Thursday, May 27, 2010 in the Memorial Chapels and Crematory of Waynesville / St. Robert with Bro. Danny Graves officiating. The songs “Cryin’ For Me”, “Jesus Take the Wheel”, “When I Get Where I’m Going”, “Go Rest High on that Mountain” and “Sissy’s Song” were played. Several of Doug’s family and friends recalled their wonderful memories of him. Military honors were provided by the Missouri Honors Team of Rolla, Missouri. Services were under the direction of Memorial Chapels and Crematory of Waynesville/St. Robert. Memorial contributions may be made in memory of Doug Oliver and may be left at the funeral home.

Douglas Frank Oliver, Sr.

March 2, 1951 - May 21, 2010