Rex Douglas “Doug” Michel
Rex Douglas “Doug” Michel
May 1, 1928 ~ Nov. 16, 2016
Rex Douglas “Doug” Michel passed peacefully on November 16, 2016 at the age of 88. He was born in Galveston, Texas on May 1, 1928 to Lillian Brumbelow and Gus Bowers Michel. He moved from San Benito to Marble Falls in 1935 and graduated from Marble Falls High School in 1945. He played football for Marble Falls and was responsible for the publishing of the first year book for the high school. He attended Texas A & M University after graduation until 1947 when he received an appointment to the United States Military Academy at West Point, New York. On graduation day, June 5, 1951, he married Joy Dillingham, his lifelong love of 65 years. They resided in various places while in the military in the United States as well as Okinawa and he served in the infantry in the Korean conflict. After serving 5 years in the military he was discharged and attended Brite College of the Bible in Fort Worth. He was then ordained as a minister of the Disciples of Christ Church. He first served as a minister in Rockett, Texas and then in Conroe, Texas, at the First Christian Church until 1967. He then rejoined the U S Army as a chaplain and was deployed to Vietnam and remained in the military until he retired at Fort Hood, Texas, in April 1982. After retirement he came to Marble Falls and became proprietor of Michel’s Drug Store that was established by his grandfather in 1891. His wife Joy, had been managing the business along their son Doug Jr. for five years awaiting his return from the military. He was very much a people person and truly enjoyed greeting everyone who entered the drug store. He would always offer all who came to the store a free coke from the antique soda fountain. He loved to visit and find interest in peoples lives. He was a lifelong supporter of the Marble Falls Mustangs and loved to wear purple and gold pants and shirts and occasionally would paint his white shoes gold to match. He served on the City Council of Marble Falls and always wanted to promote the businesses on Main Street. He and his wife Joy were awarded Persons of the Year by the local Highland Lakes Chamber of Commerce. The drug store closed in spring 2000 after 109 years of continuous service to the community. Doug and Joy were very involved in their granddaughters' and great granddaughters' school events and sports activities.
He was preceded in death by his parents and survived by his wife of 65 years; his brother Jerry Michel and Peggy; his sister Nancy and Joe Webb; son Doug Jr. and Dianne Michel; granddaughter Jackilyn and Justin Parker; granddaughter Roxanne Michel; great granddaughters Layla and Adalyn Parker; cousin Duane and Bobbye Michel; and many, many nieces and nephews.
The family would like to thank the loving care Doug received from Marie Kinman, Rosie Franco, Penny and Heather from Seton Home Health, the staff at Granite Mesa and going back to Main Street 1980s – the care and friendship of Dr. Scott Liggett. Of course there are so many more that should be acknowledged and to them Big Doug would say “Thanks!” and “Gig ‘Em!”
Visitation will be held at Clements-Wilcox Funeral Home on Saturday, Nov. 19, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Burial will be held at the Marble Falls City Cemetery on Sunday, Nov. 20, at 4 p.m.
