Douglas Charles Light

Light, Douglas Charles, age 88, of Royal Oak, passed away December 1, 2015 at Brookdale Stonebridge Ranch in McKinney, Texas. He was born February 16, 1927 in Highland Park to the late Sidney and Alberta Light. Doug was a 1945 graduate of Royal Oak High School and a World War II U.S. Navy veteran who served in 1945-46. After returning from the war, Doug continued his education at Highland Park Community College and received a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Industrial Arts from the University of Michigan in 1951. He attained a Master’s of Secondary Education degree from Wayne State University in 1965. Doug began his career teaching auto shop at Royal Oak High School in 1951. In 1957, he moved to the newly built Kimball High School where he designed the auto shop and established the curriculum. He had also begun to teach in the Adult Education program in 1953 and was promoted to Building Supervisor in 1957. In 1959 he was named Director of the program until he retired in December 1986, after 35 years of service. Through his leadership, he was responsible for thousands of young and older adults receiving their high school diploma. There is a plaque in the Royal Oak Schools Administration building honoring him. Doug enjoyed the outdoors and was an avid gardener, hunter of small game and fisherman. He also was a good cook, an accomplished baker and a maker of wine for more than 50 years! Like many in his generation, Doug could fix almost anything and would rarely throw anything away if it still had any perceived value. Known for his keen wit and dry sense of humor, you never knew when Doug would surprise you with a zinger and bring a smile to your face. He loved to make people laugh and deeply cared. He was a member of the American Legion and passionate about supporting many veteran-related causes. In addition, he supported his church, Emmanuel Bethel, by reading scripture at services and making meals at the warming center for the homeless over the Christmas holidays. Doug led a life to be proud of. He was a faithful husband, caring father, excellent teacher, leader and genuine friend to all who knew him. Doug was the beloved husband of 51 years to the late Phyllis (d. Jan. 2002); loving father of Douglas C. (Debra) Light Jr. and Linda J. Light-Kiefer; proud grandfather of Michelle A. (Christopher) Kilby, Bryan D. (Nicki) Light, Christopher A. (Marissa) Kiefer and David C. Kiefer; great grandfather of Miles C. Kilby; and dear brother of Florence A. (late Paul) Neumann. Memorial visitation Saturday, December 19, 2015 from 10 a.m. until the time of service 11 a.m. at Emmanuel Bethel Church, 4000 Normandy Road, Royal Oak. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests honoring veterans with donations to Honor Flight, Wreaths Across America or the USO. Arrangements by Wm. Sullivan & Son Funeral Home, Royal Oak. Share your memories at www.sullivanfuneraldirectors.com.

Douglas Charles Light

February 16, 1927 - December 1, 2015