Douglas James Addington, age 73, of Lawton, Michigan, passed away peacefully at his home, surrounded by his family, on July 9, 2026. Born on August 13, 1952, in Paw Paw, Michigan, to Clarence and Elizabeth (Weurding) Addington.

Doug is survived by his soulmate and loving wife of 52 years, Marci (Harris) Addington; children, Nicole (Brian) Grubich, Kristy (Scott) Miller, Wendy (Danny) Miller, Tim (Nichole) Nelson, and Josh Nelson; grandchildren, Morgan Lutes, Mattie Grubich, Tatum (Mason) Wiseley, Logan Miller, Sydney Miller, Braxton, Madalyn, Gunner and Jasmyn Nelson, Hunter, Addelynn and Bentley Nelson; great-granddaughter, Kollyns Wiseley; siblings, Craig (Diane) Addington; sisters-in-law, Paulette Greene, and Joanne Addington; and many beloved nieces, nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father, Clarence Addington, mother, Elizabeth (Weurding) Addington, brother Charles Addington, sister Diane Addington, and granddaughter, Makenzie Grubich.

Doug grew up on a grape farm in a small town, surrounded by family and friends. From a young age, he was known to push the limits—some might say he had a gift for making, and getting out of, trouble. Later, Doug met Marci and, on their very first date, told her he was going to marry her—a promise that became a beautiful reality on November 23, 1974. Together, Doug and Marci built a marriage rooted in love, loyalty, family, tradition, and the simple joy of being side by side. Doug was an amazing husband who believed deeply in the sacred principles of marriage and lived them every day with faithfulness, strength, and devotion. Even in pain, he tried to protect those he loved most, especially Marci. His greatest joy was found in the life they shared together. Their 52 years of marriage stand as a lasting example of true love, commitment, and a bond that will never be forgotten.

Following in his father’s footsteps, Doug completed trade school and became a pipefitter and proudly worked in the trade for 46 years as a member of UA Local 357 Plumbers/Pipefitters and HVAC. He was a loyal supporter of the union and after retirement continued serving as a Delegate. Many current members have shared with his family that Doug was their mentor and teacher, someone who helped them learn not only the work, but the values of dedication, pride, and doing things the right way. He was incredibly smart and had the ability to make things that seemed impossible work.

Doug was funny, loving, hardworking, generous, loyal, kind, and gentle. He was always happy and known as “Cheeks” because of his amazing smile and cute cheeks. He was patient and had the ability to bring peace to any situation. He gave freely of his time, talent, and heart. He always put others before himself and accepted everyone with open arms. Doug had a way of making people feel welcome and valued. Many friends and family members came to see him as a father figure and mentor, and countless lives were shaped by his guidance, knowledge, and steady love.

He enjoyed woodworking, fishing, working on his yard, camping, grilling, tinkering in his pole barn, the Detroit Lions, boating, smoking turkeys on Thanksgiving, traveling, especially up north in “God’s Country,” and watching FOX News.

Doug will be remembered as a devoted husband, father and papa. Nothing mattered more to him than his wife and family, and he was happiest when surrounded by the people he loved. He was proud of his family and their accomplishments, and he made sure they always knew it. To his grandchildren, he was simply the best papa in the world.

Always a believer, Doug was baptized later in life, and he and Marci became members of Great Lakes Chapel in Paw Paw. The most important decision of his life was to accept the Lord as his Savior, and he was proud to testify to his salvation.

He faced the greatest challenge of his life with strength, resilience, and an unwavering zest for life. Doug exceeded medical expectations and gave his family the priceless gift of 14 more years together. Those years were filled with love, laughter, memories, and the steady presence of a man who meant so much to so many.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to the Hospice Care Team and especially nurse Hannah.

A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, at 1:00 PM at Family First Funeral & Cremation Services, 52780 M-40, Marcellus, MI. Visitation will take place at 12:00 PM (one hour prior to the service) at the same location. Following the service, the family welcomes you to a Celebration of Doug’s Life being held at the UA 357 Union Hall, 11847 Shaver Road, Kalamazoo, MI. Refreshments and shared stories and memories will begin at 4:00 PM.

In keeping with Doug’s joyful spirit and the way he lived life, the family kindly requests that those attending the visitation, funeral service, or celebration of life wear Detroit Lions or Detroit Red Wings apparel, or vibrant, colorful clothing. Doug wouldn’t want a sea of black—he would much rather be remembered with the colors, smiles, and warmth that reflected the life he lived.

For those who wish to make a donation, the family asks that memorial contributions be made to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation in Doug’s memory.