Douglas K. Herbert

Looking back on the life of Douglas K. Herbert, perhaps the 4th of July might have been a more fitting day for his birth. He had an incredible patriotic spirit, and lived it out in both word and deed. Spending nearly 20 years in the Armed Services, even years later when Doug saw a soldier he would humbly shake their hand. And after 9/11, when most were struck with fear, he remarked, "They better thank their lucky stars I'm not young enough to be sent over there." But even more than that, Doug was an honorable man at home and in his everyday life. Never quick to get angry, he loved his wife and kids and would have done anything for them. Now with his passing, it is not just his family but the world that has lost a great man. Summer had just arrived in 1938 and already it was proving to be a hot one. The weather, however, wasn't the only thing heating up that year. Just as the American people were pulling themselves out of the Great Depression, across the globe the world was on the cusp of a major war. Back in Muskegon, Michigan, however, not even the threat of war could put a damper on the excitement felt by a very pregnant Myra (Bell) Herbert and her husband, Raymond. At last, on July 14th the couple welcomed their third child, a son named Douglas Kent. Born and raised in Muskegon, Doug grew up in a home on Estes Street in the Lakeside neighborhood of Muskegon. After attending Bunker Middle School, Doug entered Muskegon High School, but never made it to graduation. Instead, like both of his brothers before him, Raymond and Chuck, he heeded the call of Uncle Sam and enlisted in the Unites States Army. Doug only served in the Army for one year before deciding it was time for a change. For no other given reason than "because I could," Doug switched gears and entered the Air Force. For the next four years Doug proudly served his country and for the rest of his life, he would value his time in the military. In fact, he enjoyed it so much that after being discharged from the Air Force, he re-enlisted in the National Guard. For the next 15 years Doug volunteered his time cooking, compiling several notebooks of recipes, and loving every minute of it. In addition to serving in the Guard, Doug also began searching for a career. He tried his hand at several manufacturing plants, before finally landing a job at S.D. Warren Paper Mill in 1968. By the time the 1970's arrived, everything seemed to be going right in Doug's life. Not only did he have a new career to celebrate, but also a wife and four beautiful children. But while his career would last for the next 30 years, his relationship with his wife and children would soon take an unfortunate turn. Finding it impossible to reconcile, Doug and his wife parted ways, creating a rift between him and his children. Although he never got the chance to bond with his daughter Lisa, or his three sons Brian, Scott, and Jeff, nothing could take away from the joy he felt knowing he was their father or the pride he felt knowing that all three of his boys served in the Marines just like all three brothers served their country the generation before. In 1977, Doug was introduced to a young woman by the name of Evelyn (Wheeler) Memberto, who just happened to be dating a friend of his. Even though she appeared to be spoken for, Doug could not hide his feelings for Evelyn and soon the two of them were dating. If you ask Evelyn, it wasn't exactly love at first sight, but it was definitely "trust at first sight" and she knew right away that she could trust Doug with anything. Evelyn, however, wasn't the only person Doug had to court. She had three young sons, Brian, Brad, and Robert, and none of them were prepared to share their mom. At one point, Doug showed up at their house for a visit with a vase holding one single flower. He was greeted at the door by her son Brad, whom he had never met, and Brad's first words were, "Wow! Only one flower?" Doug may not have had the money to afford a whole dozen, but he certainly had the heart to win the love of Evelyn's whole family. Knowing that they were a package deal, on September 22, 1978, Doug married Evelyn and committed himself to caring for her and her sons for the rest of his life. Together, Doug, Evelyn, and the three boys made their home in Oakridge on Wolf Lake. Over the years Oakridge boasted several championship football teams and Doug was thrilled to cheer on each of the boys as they played there. He even signed up for the swing shift at work, just to be in attendance. From their first uneasy meeting at the door, over time Doug had proved himself worthy to Brad, and to Brian and Robert, as well. As their father figure he was an all around great guy and they always appreciated his good temperament. In the late 80s, Doug began having heart problems, which led to kidney problems that were only compounded by his diabetes. Initially he refused to let anything slow him down and continued to do all the things he enjoyed. In the nine years that Evelyn worked for Cruises, Inc., they went on an astonishing 27 cruises together. Doug enjoyed all of the traveling, snorkeling, and fishing, but even more than that, he liked to paint the scenes he saw while on vacation or participating in one of his favorite hobbies. At a very young age he had taught himself to paint with oils and acrylics and from that time on he perfected his craft. Whenever he would meet someone who mentioned they liked a painting he was working on, he would finish it up and give it to them. He even carved the large eagle behind the bar at the Eagle's in Lakeside, where he was once a member. A real meat and potatoes guy, Doug continued to cook as well. He was famous for making homemade donuts and despite being diabetic, he never met a donut he didn't like. Doug eventually retired from the paper mill, in 1998, after 30 years of service. In light of his deteriorating health, he always joked with Evelyn saying, "I have to stick around to make you miserable!" More and more, though, plans had to be cancelled because he just wasn't up to it. It might seem as though his family should have expected his death, but even with a number of signs, they were not prepared to say goodbye so soon. Doug was a loving husband and father, who will be dearly missed and fondly remembered. Mr. Douglas K. Herbert, age 68, died Sunday, February 4, 2007. He was born in Muskegon, MI on July 14, 1938 to Raymond & Myra (Bell) Herbert and married the former Evelyn Wheeler on September 22,. Surviving are his wife, Evelyn L. Herbert; 3 sons, Brian (Junko) Herbert of Paw Paw, Scott (Christy) Herbert of Muskegon, Jeff (Theresa) Herbert of Muskegon; daughter, Lisa (Larry) Kasmauski of Norton Shores; stepsons, Brian (Kim) Memberto of Holland, Bradley (Cynthia) Memberto of Muskegon, Robert (Stella) Memberto of Grawn, MI; many grandchildren and 1 great-grandchild; brother, Chuck (Nancy) Herbert of Piedmont, CA; several nieces & nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents & 1 brother, Ray Herbert. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, February 8, 2007, 2:30 PM at Clock Chapel with Rev. William Uetricht officiating. A visitation will take place on Thursday, 1 hour prior to the service at Clock Life Story Funeral Home - Muskegon. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to the family. Please visit Doug's personal memory page at www.lifestorynet.com to leave a memory or sign the online guest book.