Harry Dale “Doc” Douthit, Sr. age 78
October 26, 1943 – March 14, 2022
Harry Dale “Doc” Douthit, Sr. age 78, of Newton, Illinois, passed away at 12:36 PM – Monday, March 14, 2022, HSHS St Mary’s Hospital in Decatur, Illinois.
Private family services will be held, with burial in the Riverside Cemetery in Newton, Illinois. Arrangements are under the care of
the Meyer Funeral Home in Newton, Illinois. In loving memory of Harry Dale, memorials may be made to Shriner’s Hospital or St Jude’s. The obituary can be viewed and condolences left at www.meyerfh.com.
Harry Dale, also known as “Doc” was born on October 26, 1943, in Effingham, Illinois, the son of Luke and Bertha (Toland) Douthit. He married Rose Marie Harris on June 17, 1966, in Newton, Illinois.
Harry Dale graduated from Newton Community High School in 1962. After graduation, he enlisted in the United States Army on June 1, 1962, serving during the Vietnam War. He was honorably discharged on May 28, 1965.
Harry Dale worked for Sam Fehrenbacher for 13 years. In 1978, he went to work at Yellow Freight and retired in 2006.
Harry Dale was as member of the Wheeler Christian Church, Jasper Post #20 American Legion and the Crooked Creek Rebels. He was a life member of the VFW and the NRA.
Harry Dale enjoyed hunting, fishing and target practicing.
Harry Dale is survived by:
Wife of 55 years – Rose Marie Douthit of Newton, Illinois
Children – Tammy Mercier of Newton, Illinois; Harry Dale Douthit, Jr. of Romeoville, Illinois; Tara (Matt) Burke of Newton, Illinois; Troy Douthit of Newton, Illinois and Nicola Haitfield of Dwight, Illinois
Grandchildren – Heather (Billy) Sprague, Ashley Mericer, Cody Douthit, Joseph Burke, Leah Burke, Allie Burke, Mackenzie Hatfield, Joshua Burke, Braxton Douthit and Grayson Hatfield
Great Grandchildren – Chloe Becker, Madison Sprague, Mia Sprague and Michael Sprague
Brother – Gary Keith (Kathy) Douthit of Effingham, Illinois
Sister – Sharon (Mike) Field of Altamont, Illinois
Harry Dale was preceded in death by his parents; mother and father-in-law Onorma and Gilbert Harris; brothers Howard, Lawrence, Larry Douthit; sister – Ila Mae Schackmann and brother-in-law Robert Schackmann.
