Douglas R. Ballou

CDR Douglas R. Ballou, USN (Ret)

CDR Douglas R. Ballou, USN (Ret.), 63, of Mechanicsburg, PA, peacefully passed on to Eternity as his Lord and Savior welcomed him Home on Friday, August 21, 2020.  Doug is survived by his loving wife of 40 years, Kathryne; two sons: James (Stephanie) and John (Nicole); along with four grandsons: Ethan, Jonah, Garrett and Benjamin; sister, Diedra Wilburn of Murfreesboro, TN; brother-in-law, David Hagar of Hermitage, TN; sister-in-law, Susan Mason (Jeff) of Pinehurst, TX; and brother-in-law Thomas Bauchspies (Kerri) of Yelm, WA; as well as many other beloved extended family members.  Doug was predeceased by his parents, Dr. Ralph B. Ballou, Jr. and Phyllis Bruderer; and his sister, Phyllis Hagar.

Doug was a graduate of Oakland High School in Murfreesboro, TN, and earned his Eagle Scout with gold palm award, which encouraged both of his sons to become Eagle Scouts, too.  Doug was awarded a Navy Scholarship to Texas A & M University in College Station, TX, as a member of the Corps of Cadets, and earned a B.S. degree in geology, as well as received his commission as an ensign in the U.S. Navy Supply Corps.  Along with his tours at sea, Doug specialized in petroleum management, and later earned his M.B.A. degree from Pennsylvania State University.  He gave over 20 years of active duty service to our country until he was medically retired from the Navy after his cancer diagnosis.  By God’s grace, Doug survived to begin a civilian career with RCI (later Serco) for an additional 16 years, despite his disabilities, which he did not want to define him. Doug was always modest about his many accomplishments, preferring to let his actions speak for him.

Doug’s motto during 21 years of cancer survivorship was, “God knows the number of my days, so when my time is up then it is up. Meanwhile, I’m going to live my life as fully as possible.”  And that is exactly what he did!  He was a Civil War buff who loved the outdoors.  Hiking the Appalachian Trail in solitude was his “happy place”.  He enjoyed living a life of purpose at home, at work, in the community and through the church while trusting God one day at a time.  After fighting the Good Fight and finishing the race, we rejoice that Doug is now FREE!

Private burial with full military honors at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery will be held at the convenience of the family.  A public, in-person and virtual, live-streaming “Celebration of Life” memorial service will be held on Friday, September 4, 2020, at the First Church of God Community Center, 201 East Green Street, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055.  Hosted by Turning Point Church of Mechanicsburg, PA, the service will start promptly at 5:30 p.m. Those who wish to attend via web streaming may do so at https://youtu.be/j6C8wkaTv08 .  Visitation will begin at 4:00 p.m.  Masks and social distancing will be required for comfort and safety.  The family regrets that there will not be a time of food and fellowship.  Instead, they ask everyone to leave a story or memory on Doug’s obituary page at Buhrig.com.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Doug’s memory to DAV (Disabled American Veterans), 4219 Trindle Road, Camp Hill, PA 17011; or to SPOHNC ( Support for People with Oral, Head and Neck Cancer), P.O. Box 53, Locust Valley, NY 11560-0053; or do a random act of kindness.

Doug’s family has entrusted his care to Buhrig Funeral Home & Crematory in Mechanicsburg, (717) 766-3421.  Read Doug’s full obituary, view his memorial video and portrait, offer condolences and sympathy, share stories and memories, upload photographs and videos, light a candle and sign his official guest book by visiting Buhrig.com.