Doug McFarland

Dallas Douglas McFarland, 86, of Bucyrus, died Tuesday, February 3, 2015 at his residence following a brief battle with cancer. At his side when he was called home to be with the Lord were his most prized possessions, his wife Jean and three daughters.

Doug was born December 18, 1928 in Findlay to the late Gale V. and Marjorie (Copus) McFarland and soon after moved to Bucyrus where in 1946 he graduated from Bucyrus High School. He became a lifelong tractor enthusiast at age 14 when Nestel Ford Tractor Sales sent him to Columbus to learn how to completely dismantle a tractor and then rebuild it, finishing first in the class of adults. This experience led to several mechanical jobs throughout his life, including Nestel Horse Farm, self-employment as McFarland Excavating Service (he owned the first hydraulic backhoe in Bucyrus) and septic tank cleaning service, and Jack Friend Excavating Co. Doug finished his career at the Crawford Co. Highway Dept. where he retired as a mechanic in 1992. They also operated a family business called McFarland’s Memory Lane.

While at a gas station in 1953, Doug saw Jean Wolfe. When their eyes met, they both knew it was love at first sight. They were married in June of 1955. God and family were his two greatest loves. He was a member of Gospel Baptist Church. Doug loved being involved with his girls. He built them one of the best playgrounds in their front yard, including the best playhouse. Their home was a safe haven for a number of animals, including horses, donkeys, goats, cats and dogs. There were many winters spent in Clearwater, Florida along with camping trips with Airstream friends. Doug was the original “Picker” collecting treasures along with Jean and his daughters. Of all the good times, his most memorable was in September of 2014 when 29 of his family gathered into a large beach house in Gulf Shores, Alabama and made memories that will last a lifetime!

In addition to his wife Jean of 59 years, Doug is survived by three daughters, Dayna Darlene Dennison of Bucyrus, Darla Dorrene (Larry) Yurkosky of Oklahoma and Deandra Dee Hatcher of Bucyrus; eight grandchildren, Nicole (Kevin) Nix, Heather (Jake) Thurman, Andrea (Jess) Kramer, Christopher (Val) Baron, Drew (Meghan) Dennison, Darek Dennison, Danelle Dennison and Kyle (Bri) Hatcher; and nine great grandchildren, Madison, Devanie, Jett, Peyton, Adde, Max, Alexa, Casein, and Brynlea with two more on the way. Doug is also survived by his sister, Phyllis Sand of Missouri and many nieces and nephews.

Doug is now rejoicing in Heaven with his parents; two brothers, Bob and Jerry McFarland and two sisters, Janet Wenninger and Polly Cress and holding his great grandson, Conner Dennison.

Doug loved anything to do with tractors. He was a member of the Mohican Valley Ohio #85 Airstream Club, Maytag Collectors Club, and a 10 year auxiliary police officer with the Bucyrus PD. He had a great sense of humor, was able to build or repair anything including several homes and he was never without his pocket knife, pocket watch and red hanky.

His family will receive friends from 1-3 and 5-7 p.m. Sunday, February 8 at Wise Funeral Service in Bucyrus. Doug’s funeral will be held at 1:00 p.m. Monday at Gospel Baptist Church in Galion with his cousin, Jon Reynolds officiating.

Memorial contributions may be given to HomeCare Matters Hospice; Gospel Baptist Church or to a charity of the donor’s choice through the funeral home. To share an expression of sympathy, please use the Memorial Guestbook below.



Visitation:

Sunday, February 8, 2015 1-3 & 5-7 p.m.

Wise Funeral Service, 129 W. Warren St., Bucyrus, Ohio 44820



Service:

Monday, February 9, 2015 1:00 p.m.

Gospel Baptist Church, 5670 Ohio 19, Galion, Ohio 44833



Cemetery:

At a later date