Douglas W. Stilwell, 81, of Piqua, passed away peacefully, with his loving wife by his side at 8:50 p.m. Friday, June 6, 2025 in the comfort of his home.
Doug took the time to handwrite his own obituary and has requested that his words be shared.
“If you are reading this- I must have left this world. It’s been a great ride. I was lucky enough to have lots of great people to go along with me. My Mother & Father- Wilma (Thomas) and William Stillwell provided a good, stable upbringing. I may not have always heeded it, but all the same it was there. Being a middle child I was able to experience all the pluses and minuses of that position. My older brother, Tom was always a challenge. We never quite saw eye to eye- just tolerate each other. My sister, Marilyn Ketrow was closer to understanding and tolerating me. We usually had a good time. During my school years at Springcreek and Piqua Central (Class of ’62) many wonderful people passed through my life. I was involved in 4-H (Springcreek Sodbusters), The Marching 74 Band, and a few school plays. Once out of school, I went on to Miami Jacobs Jr. College. (Big Whoop!) After wandering around for 5 years, I met a really nice girl (maybe not too smart) because she, Marjorie Jones Stilwell, agreed to marry me. So on November 4, 1967 we started another stage in this great life. Within 2 years we welcomed Andrew Charles Stilwell into our family. The next year along, came our witty, funny daughter, Amy Catherine Stilwell. Then 6 mothers later- just to stir things up, we welcomed John E. Stilwell to the crew. The end, Enough. Marj took a few years off teaching to get these kids up and running. I worked at Bornell Supply Computer Dept., then Buckeye Mutual Insurance Computer Dept. My change of life hit. Eleanor and Toni Thoma retired- I bought the Thoma & Sons Jewelry Store. So for the next 25 years that’s what I did. In 2011 it was time to retire. Since then we have traveld some. The best thing ever happened in 2014. Our smart, beautiful (she loved me) granddaughter came into this world (what a surprise). Little Miss Evelyn Diane Stilwell is the joy of my life. We have enjoyed seeing her grow and spoiling the heck out of her. (Sorry Andy!) I want to thank everyone for being a part of my life. Marj has been wonderful, kind and patient for a long time. Maybe your next husband will be rich. My kids have been tolerant and brought much happiness to me and their mother. I can’t forget my good buddies, Jeff Sunderhaus and David Wiltshire. They are true and blue. Thanks. Through the years I think we have kept Crown Royal in business. I love all of you. Have a great life. Don’t weaken. P.S. Remind my wife to quit working so hard!”
Doug was a hard worker and extremely generous with his time. He was a very active member of Greene Street United Methodist Church where he had served on various committees over the years. He was a long standing member of the Piqua Rotary Club and Friends of the Piqua Public Library. He was involved with the Great Outdoor Underwear Festival as well as the former Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks in Piqua. Additionally, he enjoyed keeping himself busy in the garden. Doug was a good man who had a wonderful sense of humor and was always willing to lend a helping hand. He will be deeply missed.
A funeral service to honor Doug’s life will begin at 12:00 p.m. Monday, June 16, 2025 at the Jamieson & Yannucci Funeral Home with Rev. Ed Ellis officiating. Visitation will be held from 10:00-12:00 p.m. Monday at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to Friends of the Piqua Public Library, 116 W. High St. Piqua, OH 45356; or Hospice of Miami County, Inc. 3230 N. County Rd. 25A, Piqua, OH 45356. Guestbook condolences and expressions of sympathy, to be provided to the family, may be expressed through jamiesonandyannucci.com