In Memory of
Douglas K. Crary

September 4, 1938 – January 9, 2019

Douglas K. Crary, 80, passed away peacefully on January 9th, 2019 in New Port Richey, Florida. He was born September 4th, 1938 to Milton and Dorris Crary in Lone Rock, Wisconsin. Doug spent much of his childhood on the Hood Dairy Farm, often stealing the cream off the top during milking. After graduating from high school Doug enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, which he proudly served for 4 years, 2 days, 12 hours, and 38 seconds. He completed boot camp at Camp Lejeune in North Carolina and ended his career at Camp Pendleton in California. Doug thoroughly enjoyed his time overseas, especially in Thailand, Hong Kong, Okinawa, and the Philippines. Upon discharge, Doug was honored with two Good Conduct Medals and a Rifle Sharpshooters Badge. Doug faithfully stayed in contact with his USMC brothers and visited with them annually for many years in Las Vegas. Semper Fi!

Doug had a long, successful career in construction, serving as Vice President of US Homes while living in Chicago in the 1970s. He moved to Florida in 1983 to work in the new home development boom on the west coast. Doug retired three times before finally hanging up his tool belt. During retirement he enjoyed playing and watching golf, attending his grandsons’ ball games and avidly reading. He and his wife, Michele, were season ticket holders at the Richey Suncoast Theatre and frequented the opera and ballet in the Tampa Bay area. Doug and Michele also spent many weekends traveling to nearby towns antique shopping. Doug volunteered for many years with the PGA tournament at Innisbrook and drove floats for the Chasco Fiesta Street Parade. He had a stroke in 2012 that limited his vision but did not slow him down, though a second stroke in 2017 confined him to a wheelchair.

Doug is survived by his wife of 12 years, Michele Crary; daughter, Jodi Luepkes (Shane) and stepdaughter, Nicole Karcinski (Brian); grandchildren, Derek Klein (Gabrielle), Riley and Jillian Karcinski; great-grandchildren, Mason and Declan Klein; sister, Caryl Neinas; sister, Lani Batke; sister, Cheri Sohrweid; and brother, Greg Crary (LuAnn). Doug was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Mick Crary; and his grandson, Ryder Leupkes.

Funeral arrangements are being handled by Dobies Funeral Home. The viewing will be Monday, January 14th from 6-8pm at the Seven Springs/Trinity Chapel on Old CR 54. The funeral will be Tuesday, January 15th at 10am at First Baptist Church of Elfers, 4050 Redleaf Drive in New Port Richey. Following the church service, there will be a gravesite ceremony at the Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell.