Dec. 7, 1946 - July 26, 2012

MOUNTAIN TOP, Pa. — Stephen J. “Hoppy” Douglas, 65, of Mountain Top, died July 26, 2012, at home.

He was born Dec. 7, 1946, to the late Stephen L. and Helen I. (Magiera) Douglas in South Bend, Ind.

Also preceding him in death was brother Stephen Dean Douglas.

He graduated from the former South Bend Central High School in 1964.

In 1966, he joined the U.S. Air Force, proudly serving his country. Steve was a highly decorated Vietnam combat veteran, serving as a sergeant. He received the Bronze Star, among many decorations.

He worked as a surgical technician at Elkhart General, Wilkes-Barre General and Berwick hospitals.

He was honored by American Red Cross for obtaining 12-gallon status over the course of 29 years.

He was a “big time” Notre Dame fan.

He coached a girls slow-pitch softball team for five years, winning three city and two semi-state championships. He also managed men’s fast-pitch softball for eight years for Elkhart General Hospital.

He enjoyed gardening, fishing, camping and reading.

He dearly loved his “kids” Casper and Patches.

On July 21, 1996, he married Colleen Golla in Daytona Beach, Fla.

She survives, along with siblings Sandy Ferro of Orlando, Fla., Dean S. (Barbara) and Michael P. (Patti), all of Elkhart, Ind., Mary Jo Winkfine and Cathy (Joe) Barkman, both of Mishawaka, Ind., Marian (Dean) Hammontree of South Bend and Pamela (Rick) Green of Granger, Ind.; “kids” Casper and Patches; and many nieces and nephews.

He will be greatly missed, especially by his angel, Colleen.

Rest in peace, brother.

Funeral services were July 30, 2012, at McCune Funeral Home, Mountain Top.

Interment followed in Albert Cemetery, with U.S. Air Force Honor Guard present.

A memorial service for Steve will be announced in the paper at a later time.

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