Douglas Hugh McGinness
November 24, 1925 ~ December 8, 2016
Douglas Hugh McGinness
Our beloved husband, Dad, and Papa, Douglas Hugh McGinness, of Wichita, Kansas passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family on December 8, 2016. Dad was born November 24, 1925, in Artois, California, youngest of four children of Byron Franklin and Carolina “Carrie” (Libecajt) McGinness. Doug grew up in the tiny Kansas town of Aulne, in Marion County, Kansas. With his parent’s permission, Doug enlisted in the Navy at the age of 17. He served as a Petty Officer Third Class in the Air Corp, serving as a radioman/gunner on a patrol bomber. After his honorable discharge in 1946, he attended WSU, graduating as a geologist. After working for various oil and gas companies, Dad formed his own independent consulting company, McGinness Oil Company in 1971. Son, Doug, geologist, joined Dad in forming McGinness & McGinness in 1980. The enduring love story of a lifetime began when Doug met Viola Grace Korn, his ‘Vi’ in December of 1949, at a dance. Both were impressive dancers, and the two fell head over heels in love and were married in Wichita on May 12, 1950. Dad and Mom’s deep love for each other guided them through over 66 years of marriage. Their love story will live on in the memory of all who knew them, and they were never apart. Dad always referred to Mom as his beautiful bride, his ‘sun and moon’. Vi and Doug raised three children, daughters, Kim and Brenda and son, Doug. Dad, and later, Papa, was devoted to his family. He made sure that all the grandkids knew how to drive, fish, and make delectable chocolate chip cookies. He sang lullabies and taught dancing with his children, and later, grandchildren, standing on his feet to learn the steps. His love of charming, obscure ballads whistle in our memories of him, and he always sung while fixing the morning bacon, waking us far too early. Dad taught morality and decency to his children and grandchildren; in life, his word was truth, and in business his handshake was a bond. Papa was an avid Royals fan and he showed his WSU Shocker loyalty by wearing his Shocker cap and shirts. Later, he loved going to the Kansas and Oklahoma casinos, and could count cards, making him unbeatable in gin. Dad stood over six feet in life, but remains 10 feet tall in our memory of him, a living hero, upon whose broad shoulders his heirs stand in his memory, as he now rests with Jesus, claiming his glory with God. His hurting body now dances free and his loving spirit embraces us all, now and forever. Preceded in death by his parents, (Byron and Carrie), his brothers, Robert and Donald, sister, Marlys, nephew, Bill McGinness, brother-in-law, Lewis E. Korn. He is survived by his bride of 66 years (Vi) and two daughters, Kim (Glenn) Honeycutt of Huntsville, OH, and Brenda (Logan) McGinness of Wichita, and son, Douglas H. McGinness, II (Liz) of Wichita. Grandchildren: Sarah (Todd) Chiaramida of Sharon, MA, Jennifer (Jerry) Huelskamp of Piqua, OH, Jaron (Elizabeth) Gordon of Prairie Village, KS, Carrie Smith (Brett Stark) of Key West, FL, Katy McGinness, and Douglas H. McGinness III both of Manhattan, NY. Step-Grandchildren: Tracey Sigler of Cincinnati, OH, David (Lisa) Honeycutt of Valencia, PA, and Melanie (Michael) DeAscentis of New Albany, OH. Great-Grandchildren: Paloma Gordon, Jonathan Huelskamp, Joey Chiaramida, Baby Gordon and Baby Huelskamp, both due in April. Step-Great-Grandchildren: Marley, Jack, Luke and Ben Huelskamp, William Sigler, Hailey and Gavin Honeycutt, and Maddie, Mike, and Mara DeAscentis. Nieces, Stacey Vanetta, Karol (Randy) Clements, and Joy McGinness. Nephews, Don (Donna) McGinness, Tim (Linda) McGinness, Neil (Debbie) McGinness, Father Matt McGinness, John Brezovar, Jim Brezovar, Shane (John) McGinness, Rob McGinness. Sister-In-Law, Mary (Ben) Grisamore, nephews-in-law, Brent, David, Jeff and respective families. Visitation with family is 6:00 – 8:00 pm Tuesday, December 13 at Downing and Lahey East Mortuary. Funeral service is 11:00 am Wednesday, December 14 at First United Methodist Church. In lieu of flowers, memorials have been established with The Lord’s Diner, 520 N. Broadway, Wichita, KS 67214 and Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation, (ccfa.org), 733 Third Ave, S-510, New York, NY 10017.
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Fair winds and following seas sailor. “Boatswain… Standby to pipe the side… Shipmate’s going Ashore…” Thank you Douglas for your service to this nation. U.S. Navy, WWII.