Douglas Fuselier (Doug), 64, of Lake Charles, La. passed away suddenly on Monday, July 29, 2024 while doing what he loved, traveling to visit his family and friends across the country.   

He is survived by his son, Daniel, of Olathe, Kan.   Survivors also include his parents, Claude and Deola “Dee” Fuselier of Lake Charles, La.; two brothers, Carl (Karen) of Little Rock, Ark., and Kenneth (Elizabeth); two sisters, Cyndi Fuselier Drachmann (Jens) and Sheila Fuselier Ahlgrim (David) all of Lake Charles, La.   Douglas has five grandchildren, Tristan, Keaton, Allacen, London, and Owen and one great-granddaughter, Lexi.  He is predeceased by his beloved brother, Russell Fuselier.   

Douglas was a graduate of Lake Charles High School.   He began his 33 year career in 1980 as a public servant in the Lake Charles Fire Department and retired as District Chief in 2013.  His immaculate work ethic and undeniable charisma at the Fire Department gained him a large base of friends.  His public service was of great importance to him and the Fire Department family became essential to his life.

This legendary man was born the youngest of six children and became Lake Charles’ most stylish and charismatic resident.  His fame grew early as a young paperboy for the Lake Charles American Press alongside his three brothers.   His popularity grew further at St. Henry’s Catholic Church as an altar boy and later becoming a youth group leader.

Douglas was the true meaning of living life to its fullest.   He enjoyed golfing and riding his Harley motorcycle and loved spending time with his family and many friends.   He grabbed the attention of everyone in his path as a storyteller and as a prankster extraordinaire and was never one to shy away from the spotlight.  In fact, he appeared on the national television program America’s Funniest Home Videos.   He made a new friend in every place he traveled and created a tapestry of devoted followers across the country.  He was armed with an engaging anecdote at all times to captivate your attention and always left you with a laugh.

You never had to ask Douglas twice for any help and, in fact, would usually offer before being asked.   He was known to lend a helping hand for countless charities and good causes across the Southwest Louisiana region by cooking a pot of his famous jambalaya or gumbo.   Cooking for others was a joy to Douglas and represented his love of his culture and upbringing.

An encyclopedic volume of stories will be required to fully encompass Douglas’ impact on people.   But all of those stories will stay in our hearts and on our tongues for all of our lives.  He was truly one of one and to know him was to know laughter, loyalty, selflessness, and sincerity.  In his true nature, Douglas left this world better than when he found it. If his life could ever be summed up it would be, “Here for a good time”.   

Visitation will be from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. and a rosary at 6 p.m. at Johnson Funeral Home located at 4321 Lake Street in Lake Charles, La. on Monday, Aug. 5.   A Mass will be held at 1 p.m. at St. Henry’s Catholic Church located at 1021 8th Ave. in Lake Charles, La. on Tuesday, Aug. 6.   A private inurnment will be held at Consolata Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his memory to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.