Douglas Lee Endsley

Douglas Lee Endsley, 79 of Akron, Ohio passed peacefully into the arms of Jesus on Friday September 22nd 2023 after a long battle with congestive heart failure. He is now reunited with his wife (Anne) of 58 years, and is celebrating his new, Heavenly body feeling no more sorrow or suffering.

Doug was born on January 14, 1944 to the late Joseph Endsley and Catherine {Smith} Cole in Akron, Ohio. He was an all-around athlete in High School Lettering in Football, Basketball and Track. He also enjoyed racing his muscle car and the motorcycle he built. He met the love of his life Anne in school, and they married on December 31st, 1962.

He continued pursuing his athletic passions playing in the Teamster's Softball league, he also enjoyed Bowling. He received numerous trophies over the years. He will always be remembered for his quick wit, off-beat sense of humor, and his love of weather, astronomy and gardening. He was always on the cutting edge of trying new technology and gizmos. When he was 14 years old he was inducted into the Mensa Society with an IQ of 159.

On September 22, 1963 he enlisted in the US Navy and served in Vietnam aboard the USS Porterfield until 1965. He served in the US Navy Reserves until 1968 and then reenlisted in the US Navy Reserves in 1980 serving eight more years. Besides his military service he had several career reboots including obtaining his CDL and driving a truck for Consolidated Freightways, Branch Motor Express, McLean and others as well as being active in The International Brotherhood of Teamsters. While truck driving during the day, he attended college at night, graduating with honors receiving his Associates of Applied Science in Transportation Degree in 1976. He was a proud member of the Phi Eta Sigma Freshmen Honor Society. He went back to school in 1980 receiving a certificate in Home Appliance Repair. He began a career in HVAC & Maintenance at Fallsview State Mental Hospital in 1981 and rose through the ranks to become President of the ASFCME Union. He received numerous commendations for his excellent and meticulous groundskeeping, and he enjoyed working there until the hospital shut down in 1996. His final career was at the Radisson Hotel where oversaw Pool & Grounds Maintenances achieving Employee of the month several times over 2 years before retiring.

He will be dearly missed by his daughters, Deborah Endsley, Michele Endsley, Charlean (Ernie) Kemppel and bonus daughter Connetta Shringarpurey. His sister Crystal Cline, Niece Colette Cline. Brother-in-law John (Joy) Conant. Grandchildren, Joshua Kemppel, Alexander Kemppel, Zachary (Elisabeth) Kemppel, Sarah Anderson, Kayla Anderson, Chelsea (Brent) Gundelach, Jaden Taylor, Mikaiah Taylor, and Daevon Taylor. Great-grandchildren Amelia Kemppel, Jude Kemppel, Miles Kemppel, Clara Kemppel (on the way), Benjamin Nice, Liylah Glaspey and Oliver Gundelach. Many other relatives and friends.

The family wishes to thank Melissa Daughtery for her special care of Dad the last 2 years as well as the Summa Cardiology Team (Dr's Baughman, Smith & Buggy, APN Cherilyn Ferdig) for giving Dad 19 bonus years.

All are welcome to visit at Newcomer Funeral Home, 131 N. Canton Rd. Akron, OH 44305 on Thursday, September 28th from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m., and again on Friday, September 29th from 10:00 a.m. until the funeral service begins at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor Ernie Kemppel officiating. Interment with well-deserved military honors to follow the service at Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery, where Douglas will be laid to rest with Anne. To leave a special message for Douglas' family, please scroll below.

Doug's service will be livestreamed at the scheduled service time. Click here to view the service