In Memory Of
John E. Mcdougald
1936
2020
John E. Mcdougald
April 9, 1936 — September 18, 2020
John E. McDougald, 84, of Topeka, passed away Friday, September 18, 2020.
He was born April 9, 1936, in Geneva, Alabama, the son of Coley and Willie Mae (Nichols) McDougald.
John graduated from Geneva High School in 1954. He served in the United States Airforce from 1954 to 1958. During his service time, he was stationed at Forbes Air Field, where he met the woman that would change his life, Marilyn Hansen. They married August 11, 1962 in St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Topeka, KS. She preceded him in death on May 4, 2018.
John received a Bachelor's Degree from Jacksonville State University in Alabama and later received his Master's Degree from the University of Indiana.
John started his teaching and coaching career in 1961 in Asheville, Alabama, with stops in Illinois and Missouri before coming to Madison, Kansas. In 1976 he led the Bulldogs to their only state championship in basketball finishing 25-1 and being named Kansas 1A Coach of the Year. Coach McDougald concluded his teaching and coaching career at Burlingame High School in 1992. While Coach had his share of victories on the court, his greatest pride came from teaching his students and athletes the importance of citizenship and sportsmanship. He would literally beam with pride when he received notes of gratitude from former students and athletes thanking him for the impact he had on their lives.
John was eternally grateful for his angel Marilyn, whose steadfast love and friendship gave him inspiration to be a better husband, father, and friend. His greatest joys were spending time with friends and family, watching sporting events (especially those of his grandkids) and sharing a meal. John's other passions include Alabama Crimson Tide football, grits and eggs, kicking tires, and showing kindness to others. John never knew a stranger and went out of his way to make people feel cared for. Through the years his kindness took many forms to include milk shake and coke "passes", gold dollars, and even a banana delivery service to name but a few examples.
John was a member of Faith Lutheran Church of Topeka.
Survivors include his children, Mike McDougald, Michelle (Greg) Burgess and Mark (Felisha) McDougald; his grandchildren, Kendyl McDougald, Kayla (Matt) Bauer, Karly McDougald, Haley (Robby) Strube, Ethan Burgess, Coley Burgess, Lauren McDougald, MollieAnne McDougald, Mason McDougald; a great grandson Banks Strube; his brothers, Jerry McDougald and Jack McDougald. He was preceded in death by his wife; his parents; his granddaughter, Emilee Anne Burgess and a sister, Betty Extrand.
Honoring John's request, cremation is planned. The family will greet friends Wednesday, September 23, 2020 from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Penwell-Gabel Cremations, Funerals and Receptions, 1321 SW 10th Ave., Topeka, KS 66604.
A memorial ceremony will be held at 10:00 am on Saturday, September 26, 2020 at Faith Lutheran Church 1716 SW Gage Blvd., Topeka, KS, 66604. Burial of the cremated remains will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery, 3616 SW 6th Ave., Topeka, KS 66606.
Penwell-Gabel Cremations, Funerals and Receptions, 1321 SW 10th Ave., Topeka, KS 66604 is assisting the family with arrangements.
Memorial contributions may be made to Faith Lutheran Church 1716 SW Gage Blvd., Topeka, KS, 66604 or to https://vfoundation.donordrive.com/campaign/In-Memory-of-Coach-John-McDougald.
To leave a message of condolence for John's family, or to share a special memory of John, visit the guestbook below.
He was born April 9, 1936, in Geneva, Alabama, the son of Coley and Willie Mae (Nichols) McDougald.
John graduated from Geneva High School in 1954. He served in the United States Airforce from 1954 to 1958. During his service time, he was stationed at Forbes Air Field, where he met the woman that would change his life, Marilyn Hansen. They married August 11, 1962 in St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Topeka, KS. She preceded him in death on May 4, 2018.
John received a Bachelor's Degree from Jacksonville State University in Alabama and later received his Master's Degree from the University of Indiana.
John started his teaching and coaching career in 1961 in Asheville, Alabama, with stops in Illinois and Missouri before coming to Madison, Kansas. In 1976 he led the Bulldogs to their only state championship in basketball finishing 25-1 and being named Kansas 1A Coach of the Year. Coach McDougald concluded his teaching and coaching career at Burlingame High School in 1992. While Coach had his share of victories on the court, his greatest pride came from teaching his students and athletes the importance of citizenship and sportsmanship. He would literally beam with pride when he received notes of gratitude from former students and athletes thanking him for the impact he had on their lives.
John was eternally grateful for his angel Marilyn, whose steadfast love and friendship gave him inspiration to be a better husband, father, and friend. His greatest joys were spending time with friends and family, watching sporting events (especially those of his grandkids) and sharing a meal. John's other passions include Alabama Crimson Tide football, grits and eggs, kicking tires, and showing kindness to others. John never knew a stranger and went out of his way to make people feel cared for. Through the years his kindness took many forms to include milk shake and coke "passes", gold dollars, and even a banana delivery service to name but a few examples.
John was a member of Faith Lutheran Church of Topeka.
Survivors include his children, Mike McDougald, Michelle (Greg) Burgess and Mark (Felisha) McDougald; his grandchildren, Kendyl McDougald, Kayla (Matt) Bauer, Karly McDougald, Haley (Robby) Strube, Ethan Burgess, Coley Burgess, Lauren McDougald, MollieAnne McDougald, Mason McDougald; a great grandson Banks Strube; his brothers, Jerry McDougald and Jack McDougald. He was preceded in death by his wife; his parents; his granddaughter, Emilee Anne Burgess and a sister, Betty Extrand.
Honoring John's request, cremation is planned. The family will greet friends Wednesday, September 23, 2020 from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Penwell-Gabel Cremations, Funerals and Receptions, 1321 SW 10th Ave., Topeka, KS 66604.
A memorial ceremony will be held at 10:00 am on Saturday, September 26, 2020 at Faith Lutheran Church 1716 SW Gage Blvd., Topeka, KS, 66604. Burial of the cremated remains will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery, 3616 SW 6th Ave., Topeka, KS 66606.
Penwell-Gabel Cremations, Funerals and Receptions, 1321 SW 10th Ave., Topeka, KS 66604 is assisting the family with arrangements.
Memorial contributions may be made to Faith Lutheran Church 1716 SW Gage Blvd., Topeka, KS, 66604 or to https://vfoundation.donordrive.com/campaign/In-Memory-of-Coach-John-McDougald.
To leave a message of condolence for John's family, or to share a special memory of John, visit the guestbook below.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of John E. Mcdougald, please visit our flower store.
Service Schedule
Past Services
Visitation
Wednesday, September 23, 2020
6:00 - 8:00 pm (Central time)
Penwell-Gabel - Mid-Town Chapel
Service
Saturday, September 26, 2020
Starts at 10:00 am (Central time)
Faith Lutheran Church
Guestbook
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