Well, I'll see ya!
-Duane
Expanded Life Story
Duane Almer Douglas was born on December 6, 1926, to Joseph Spencer Douglas and Croatia Mary (Bickford) Douglas in Parsons, Kansas. The sixth of eight children, (Denver, Gerald, Treva, Norma, Dale, Duane, Joann, and Pansy) six of whom would grow up together in what Duane would look back on fondly and call a loving family. Duane would tell stories often, he would talk of his strong, hardworking, no-nonsense, father working on the railroad, seven days a week at times. His loving mother, whom he remembered having soft hands, who would care for the family diligently. He talked with admiration of his older brother Gerald, and would say Treva was a hard worker, Norma was always a sweet sister and would even give himself and Dale money each week when she started her first job, Dale was good at everything he tried, and Pansy was smart as a whip. The family of eight also took in and cared for both grandmothers. Joseph’s railroad job protected the family through the Great Depression. During that time the family garden helped them feed not only their family but Duane would recall trips with the yield from their garden to the town over to deliver produce to their cousins family as well. Both Joseph and Crotia were marvelous gardeners. At times though the food provisions were very low and Croatia invented, from necessity, a sandwich with what they had: bread and fudge. This invention was quite a hit at school and it was said that the Douglas children could trade a fudge sandwich for anyone’s lunch at school. Croatia was also an avid reader. Many of her children’s names were from authors or books she had read. This love of reading is what introduced the family to the truth in the 1930’s. Duane took to the truth at a young age and was baptized June 21, 1941, at fifteen years old, he would go on to serve Jehovah God faithfully for the rest of his life.
At about this same age, Duane and his brother Dale bought their first car. This started his love of cars, specifically Ford cars. He had owned and worked on so many cars throughout his lifetime but could tell you the year make and model of each one. Usually also adding the amount he paid for them.
It’s safe to say that none of us here probably knew Duane without his faithful wife Pauline. Pauline Marcella Neidigh was born on June 21, 1926. About six months before Duane, a fact he never tired of teasing her about each year as every June she was the “older woman”. Pauline was born in Edna, Kansas to Claude Alva Neidigh and Mabel Lucy (Fry) Neidigh. She was born into a farming family and was one of the youngest of eleven children, her first bed being the bottom drawer of her mother's chest of drawers. She grew up enjoying the company of her siblings and her pet horse who would put its head down to let her climb up for a ride. At a very young age she lost her brother who was closest to her, this loss left a scar that would always sadden her. Pauline was smart and enjoyed school, she went on to get her teaching credentials and taught a year of school for a while after graduation.
Duane and Pauline met in high school when the teacher, frustrated with how much Duane would talk to his seatmate, sat the quietest girl in the class next to him. Little did the teacher know that Pauline would go on to be the straight man to Duane’s funny man for the rest of their lives. We all know that Duane loved to tell a joke. His greatest delight was if he could make Pauline laugh. She did not laugh at a joke unless she truly felt it was funny. Duane and Pauline graduated together and went on to keep seeing each other after Pauline moved to be closer to her teaching job. Duane introduced the truth from the Bible to Pauline and she was inclined to learn about Jehovah God and the wonderful hope for the resurrection and future paradise that he promises. Pauline’s family liked Duane but did not like that he was a Jehovah’s Witness. They didn’t think the two were serious though and were quite surprised when in 1946, Duane asked for Pauline’s hand in marriage. You see, Duane had been called up and was going to report to the army, being a conscientious objector because of his faith and the Bible’s command to love one another, he knew he would be following his brother Dale’s path and going to serve time in prison. In talking to Pauline about this he asked her if she would wait for him. Her straight answer was no. Duane was perplexed, he went on to say “Well then, will you marry me?” Pauline’s answer was yes. Happily, they were married that weekend and enjoyed 72 years together as husband and wife. As it turns out Duane was rejected from the war effort for having flat feet and he never did serve prison time for his neutrality. Pauline’s love for Jehovah continued to grow and she was baptized on September 16, 1951. Starting her long and faithful career as a Bible teacher. As was mentioned, Pauline’s family was opposed to her marrying or becoming a Jehovah’s Witness. They tolerated the marriage but when she decided to become a baptized witness the whole family cut her off completely. This was extremely painful for Pauline and would last many years. Their relationship was partially mended when her father fell ill and both Duane and Pauline traveled to stay with the family and help care for Claude, but remained strained on the Neidigh’s part as they never really accepted Pauline again. Despite this painful challenge Pauline’s love for Jehovah never wavered, and her hope that her family would one day learn the truth burned brightly throughout her life.
Duane and Pauline traveled to California sometime after their marriage and ended up staying when Duane found a good job. On October 22, 1949, they welcomed what would be their only child, a daughter whom they named Duana Pauline, at the Beverly Hospital in Montebello, California. There was a problem though, Duana was born prematurely, and her birth weight was only 4 lb 11 oz. She was not doing well in the hospital, having a hard time eating. The hospital staff did what they knew how but Duana was not improving and they ended up sending the new family home with little hope. The couple was beside themselves with worry as Duana continued to decline. A nutritionist suggested they try making a meat and milk paste and feeding that to the tiny newborn. Out of desperation Duane and Pauline found the ingredients and tried the mixture. It worked! Duana started to come around and Duane and Pauline always thanked Jehovah for the life of their daughter.
Duane and Pauline set a fine example of love for Jehovah and faith in his promises. They instilled in their daughter Duana a strong love for the truth.
As she grew she also dedicated her life to Jehovah and this decision brought great joy to Duane and Pauline throughout their lives. In the 1970’s this love prompted the then empty nesters to sell their family home and start to pioneer. A pioneer at that time would devote 100 hours a month to preaching and teaching the truths from the Bible. The sale of the house allowed them to pioneer together for four years. Enjoying many Bible studies and fine experiences in the ministry. At the same time, both Duane and Pauline tried to be helpful in the congregation, working at whatever was needed to strengthen the brotherhood. Duane would serve as a congregation servant and elder for over 50 years by the time of his death. Pauline at one time even served as the accounts servant, which was rare for sisters. She was a loving mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. Pauline was a faithful wife, a hard worker, had a quick wit and although she did not talk much what she said was always memorable or wise, she was also famous for her delicious grilled cheese sandwiches. She pioneered for over 40 years and was able to attend four pioneer schools over the years, a privilege she held dear.
Being an outstanding example of the quiet and mild spirit the Bible recommends Pauline faithfully came to the end of her life on May 7, 2019. She fought the fine fight of the faith to the very end. Refusing to possibly extend her life by taking blood contrary to the Bible’s command.
Duane having cared diligently for his dear wife found himself on his own for the first time in his 92 years of life. He missed her terribly. He relied on Jehovah God and found great comfort through his faith in God’s promise of the resurrection at John 5:28,29. He would often ask to go over this promise and the scriptures that point to when it would be fulfilled. Shortly after Pauline’s death the Covid-19 virus isolated him from attending his beloved meetings and seeing the dear friends in person. It cannot fail to be mentioned with what loyal-love and consistency the dear friends of the College Fullerton congregation looked after Duane. From the time Pauline went into the hospital to the time Duane moved south four years later he had meals delivered to his house by different friends weekly, visits when they were possible depending on the status of the virus. What a lifeline these were to this strong man who was grieving. An incredible testament to the love the Bible says would identify his true followers at John 13:35.
“How will I continue with my ministry?” was a question that Duane asked and deeply concerned him at this time, being in lockdown. Jehovah provided, because of his age his medical provider said he qualified for hospice care. This meant that each week three to four caregivers would stop in and check on him briefly. Well there was his answer, Duane had his own territory and let us tell you that each and every one of his caregivers knew Jehovah’s name. A couple of them looked forward to learning a truth from the Bible each week and would ask questions on their visits. Duane’s eyes would brighten as he would ask the caregivers to look up the scriptural answers in the Bible he kept on the table. He was also able to write letters durning this time and delighted when his letters received responses. Through all this Duane stayed healthy physically, never contracting Covid-19. He also kept healthy spiritually and was a great encouragement to those around him who saw how he faithfully served Jehovah during times of distress. In 2023, at the age of 96, Duane suffered a fall and ended up needing care. He moved down to Vista, California and lived very close to family. Attending meetings on zoom, when he was able. Of course continuing to talk about Jehovah to any caregivers whom worked with him, he stayed active in the ministry. Faithful to Jehovah until on August 10, 2024 Duane peacefully fell asleep in death.
The example of faith and strong love for Jehovah shown by Duane and Pauline had a profound affect on their daughter grandchildren and great grandchildren. Stirring in them the love of Jehovah and a desire to serve him.
All look forward to the day when we can welcome back Duane and Pauline, healthy and happy, to the paradise Earth, promised by Jehovah, that each of them spent a lifetime helping others to learn about and hoping in themselves.
Then we will again happily hear Duane say, at the end of a visit, “Well, I’ll see ya”
Gallery
Videos
Memory wall
Family,
Thank you so much for this wonderful tribute to my dearest Duane and Pauline. Especially as Pauline didn’t want a memorial herself, it was so lovely to see them thus remembered for their sterling examples.
I’m sorry I missed the Memorial as I now have relocated to a tiny congregation in Ireland,
But Sister Tammy Miller was good enough to send me this link to the past in which Duane and Pauline played a huge part in helping me to reach out for the full time ministry.
May Jehovah continue blessing your lovely family until we’re all reunited.
~Pauline (or as Duane would always say, “The OTHER Pauline”)
ps I don’t know whether you knew Janet Pooler, another of Pauline’s partners in the ministry preceded Duane in death this year..😞
Family tree
Favorites
