Douglas Bowdoin Deane, Jr., 74, of Nederland, passed away peacefully Sunday, April 10, 2011, at Christus Hospital St. Mary in Port Arthur. Born February 12, 1937, in Tulsa, Oklahoma to Eula Mae Smith and Douglas Bowdoin Deane, Sr., he was a long time resident of the area.
Doug was a retired Senior Chief of the United States Navy, and a life long musician. He contributed in many ways to his community through active involvement with the Port Neches-Groves class of 1955, and local music scene. He was an accomplished musician, and wrote music for many artists all over the United States. Doug was a member of the United States Navy band, Steel Band and Showband, and traveled all over the world in this capacity. He taught at the Navy School of Music for many years, and performed for the Bob Hope USO Tour, Merv Griffin and Donald O’Connor shows. Later, he became the director of the USO in Orlando, Florida. While there he acquired a Bachelor of Science degree from Florida Southern College and was Cum Laude in his class and also earned an Associate and Bachelor of Arts degrees from Saint Leo College. In 1997, he moved back to Mid-County, where he again joined his old friends and began playing his sax in many local bands; Gil James Trio, The Epics, Eazy Band, The Cadillac’s, Dickie and The Tornados, Ken Marvel Band, and often performed with his good friend Jivin’ Gene Bourgeois.
Doug was loved and revered by many. He was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather and friend. Doug leaves behind many loving family members and truly life long friends, and will be missed by all who loved him.
Doug is survived by his loving wife of fifty-two years, Shirley Deane; daughters, Donnell Perrigue and her husband Shane, Deborah Deane and Denise Griffith; grandchildren, Coty Deane, Brittany Perrigue and Taylor Miguez; great grandchildren, Kaydon and Zoey; and sister, Deanna Gibson and her husband Travis.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Doug and Eula Deane; and grandson, Ryan Griffith.
His funeral service will be 10:00 a.m., Thursday, April 14, 2011, at Broussard’s, 505 12th Street, Nederland, with burial to follow at Oak Bluff Memorial Park, Port Neches. A gathering of his family and friends will be Wednesday, April 13, 2011, from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Broussard’s.
