Doug Switzner

Douglas Shannon Switzner, age 91, passed peacefully following a short illness. His family was with him at the time. His life was well lived, and he was well loved. He is joining wife and best friend, Dana, who he lost three years ago.

Doug was born in Skiatook, Oklahoma on June 7, 1933 to the late Jack and Opal Switzner. He attended Javine School and Skiatook High School. During this time, he worked in his grandfather’s ice cream shop. Ice cream was always a favorite food. After graduation he attended Northeastern Oklahoma A&M, where he met his future wife and lifelong best friend Dana Lou Williams. They were married December 19, 1953 in Miami, Oklahoma. He later attended Oklahoma State University and graduated with a Masters degree in Agriculture. He taught high school and then became a Soil and Water Conservationist. He was president of the Missouri chapter of the Society of Soil and Water Conservationists.

Doug was in the Army, both active and reserves until an honorable discharge as a Sargent in 1962. He was proud of his service carried a copy of his discharge in his wallet the rest of his life. Doug was frugal and this also helped with discounts.

Doug had a passion for fishing. Though he and Dana liked spening winter in Texas, they were always back by trout season. He spent many days fishing and teaching his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren how to fish. With all that fishing, fish fries were a family tradition that he also passed along to his children and grandchildren. Dominoes were another pastime Doug enjoyed. His partners, unfortunately, did not always have as good an experience.

Doug was a member of First Baptist Church of Cassville, Missouri. He was Sunday School teacher. His favorite hymn was #303, “Count Your Many Blessing”. And he did.
In addition to his parents and Dana, Doug is preceded in death by his sister Walsie Hulsey and grandson Andrew Horning. He is survived by children: Daniel Stephen Switzner and wife Janet of Smithville, Missouri; Diane Lynn Switzner and husband Michael Horning of Leeton, Missouri; David Solomon Switzner and wife Peggy of Warsaw, Missouri. His brother Benny Switzner and sisters LaRue Hassell and Deborah Looper live in Oklahoma . His sister Flossie Selby lives in Missouri. He has numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

Plans for a memorial service are currently pending.