Douglas Edward McGovern
April 15, 1946 ~ July 21, 2025
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Douglas Edward McGovern, 79, was born April 15, 1946 in Schenectady, NY and died Monday, July 21, 2025.
Memorial Service will be at 10:30 am, Saturday, August 2, 2025, at Chapel Hill United Methodist Church. The service will be live streamed through the church’s website, or by clicking HERE.
Doug received a BS in Mechanical Engineering from Northwestern University, an MS in Mechanical Engineering from Stanford University, an MS in Electrical Engineering from University of New Mexico, and a Ph.D. from Stanford in Mechanical Engineering. He spent 25 years working at Sandia National Labs in Albuquerque including time on loan to the International Atomic Energy Agency in Vienna, Austria with work primarily on physical protection technology, smart cards, and biometrics. He then spent 10 years as an independent consultant developing Common Criteria, financial systems security and biometrics. His passion for stereo photography led to a hobby as a Civil War Historical Performer recreating the life of Alexander Gardner and presenting to school and community groups. As Doug traveled throughout Kansas in his retirement years, there was never a courthouse, town square, or small cemetery that wasn’t worth a stop to check for a Civil War Memorial, helping them all to get documented online. Doug was also a husband, father, mentor, and friend who will be deeply missed, and remembered for his humor – and though he might scoff – wisdom.
Preceded in death by his parents, Arthur and Virginia McGovern.
Survived by his wife, Teresa “Teri” McGovern of Wichita; sons, Thomas (Dana) McGovern of St. Louis, MO, Robert (Kay) McGovern of Denver, CO; daughters, Joanna (Sandro) Quargnali-Linsley of Chicago, IL, Ashley (Michelle) Ellis of Derby, KS; grandchildren, Erin McGovern, Justin McGovern, Daniella Quargnali-Linsley, Garrett Ellis; and countless other people who considered him a friend.
Memorials have been established with: Kansas Humane Society 3313 N. Hillside, Wichita, KS 67219; Operation Smile, 3641 Faculty Blvd., Virginia Beach, VA 23453.
Services in care of Downing & Lahey Mortuary – East Chapel.
Broadcast Date:
Services
Memorial Service: Saturday, August 2, 2025 10:30 am
Chapel Hill United Methodist Church
1550 N. Chapel Hill St.
Wichita, KS 67206
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Charities
The family greatly appreciates donations made to these charities in Douglas Edward McGovern 's name.
Operation Smile
3641 Faculty Blvd.
Virginia Beach,
VA
23453
Memories Timeline
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My sincere condolences to Doug’s family and all those who hold fond memories. Dad worked with Art McGovern at the GE-AEC facility in Pinellas Park, Florida. After a number of family dinners with the McGoverns, dad and Doug found that they both had an affinity for model aircraft. As a pre-teen, I tagged along for a couple of their Saturday morning airplane acrobatics events – happily, sans crashes – at the Jr. High parking lot. Dad’s red Fokker and Doug’s model (I’m sorry I don’t remember the name) were a sight to behold, soaring under the clear blue Florida skies. Rest well, Doug. I hope you meet up with dad for another round of heavenly Saturday morning flights!
Glad to hear that my friend and fellow traveler reached his peaceful home with the support of a loving wife and family! He indeed was a wise and humble man!
In Fraternity, Charity, and Loyalty,
Kent M. Melcher, PDC
Commander, Department of Kansas
Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War
I have many fun memories of Doug at Cowtown, dancing in Entre Nous, and numerous contra dances. He was always lighting up the room with his positive and upbeat personality (not to mention his dapper good looks in his historical suit). He was incredibly smart but always genuine and caring about others. His memory will live on in all the lives he touched.
As a brother of the SUVCW here in Lawrence Ks. Samual J. Churchill Camp 4 I’d like to extend my condolences to the family and friends of Douglas. Sad to hear of his passing. Prayers for the family. R.I.P. brother McGovern. Brother George Goff
Prayers to the family. Doug was a wonderful, bright and kind friend.
Doug’s passion for photography of the 1870’s was evident at Old Cowtown Museum, where I met him. He was a great dance partner with Entre Nous, the Victorian dance group. We enjoyed our two minutes of fame dancing together in the Ken Spurgeon movie “Home on the Range” in 2017 as well! We have missed him in recent years. His intelligence, humor and caring personality will be remembered. My sincere prayers to the family and friends for your loss. He was a blessing to many folks!
Doug was my older other brother who I always looked up to and admired in many ways. We were raised in St. Petersburg Florida just a few houses apart. He and his sister fit nicely with our family of four and our parents were best friends. Our friendship lasted our entire lives, sharing in each other’s ups and downs of life. I wish for his children and grandchildren to be comforted by recalling Doug’s wit and talents in this sorrowful time.
Always 1800s proper in his dress, and willing to explain about his time-period cameras which he chose to bring to Old Cowtown and “show off” or use, Doug had a quick smile and a wonderful attitude toward anyone whom he would meet. Thank you, Doug, for the many blessings and dance steps presented at the Museum! f#