Douglas “Doug” E. McQuate, 78, of Plymouth, Ohio, died peacefully Sunday, Jan. 31, 2021, at his home. He took his last breath while holding the hands of his two children, Mike and Micki. He was a loving and thoughtful father, grandfather and friend to many.
He was born Feb. 20, 1942, in Willard, Ohio. Doug was a 1960 graduate of Plymouth High School, where he was active in sports and the band. Later in life, he earned a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Ashland University in Ashland, Ohio. Doug held a variety of jobs, culminating with 16 years as the chief probation officer for the Ashland Municipal Court, until his retirement in 2009.
He joined the U.S. Marine Corps in 1960 and was the top graduate in his class at the U.S. Army Airborne School (“Jump School”) in 1962. His career included multiple tours in Vietnam, and he had the opportunity to see much of the world, with assignments in Japan, Cuba, Scotland, and Australia. He retired in 1980 at the rank of gunnery sergeant. Doug was very proud of his military service and often wore his red USMC retired hat whenever he was out and about. He stayed active with the Marine Corps Cryptologic Association and enjoyed the times he could attend the group’s annual reunions, see familiar faces and reminisce about the old days.
Doug’s other passion was riding his motorcycles as well as operating the more unique conveyances in his vehicle collection, from a two-wheeled Segway to an eight-wheeled Argo amphibious vehicle. Doug especially loved riding his various Harley-Davidson motorcycles throughout the years, and on some trips, he logged several hundred miles in a day. “It’s not the destination, it’s the journey” is an often-used phrase; Doug embodied that mantra, both literally and figuratively.
Whether it was chatting with someone over coffee at one of the local restaurants, stopping by for a quick visit with a neighbor, or celebrating a birthday or holiday with family, Doug valued his relationships with people. Anyone who has spent time with Doug knows how much of a treat it was to hear him talk about one of his interesting life experiences or when he would tell a joke to keep things light-hearted.
He is survived by his son, Michael “Mike” McQuate, and daughter-in-law, Kathy McQuate, of Whitehall, Ohio; daughter, Michelle “Micki” McQuate, and son-in-law, Steve Toth, of Columbus, Ohio; four grandchildren, Sydney, Max and Sam McQuate, and Lilli Toth; and his two feline companions, Buddy and Coco. He is preceded in death by his parents, Earl and Janice McQuate; and a brother, Jack McQuate.
Secor Funeral Home in Willard is handling the arrangements. No funeral will be conducted immediately; a memorial service celebrating Doug’s life will be announced for some time this spring or summer.
In lieu of flowers or other gifts, the family requests that a donation be made in Doug’s name to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or the Shriners Hospitals for Children.
To die a Marine is to live forever. Semper Fidelis, Doug. Ooh-Rah!