“The righteous flourish like the palm tree and grow like a cedar in Lebanon.”  -Psalm 92:12

Douglas Frank English, age 77, of Vancleave, Miss., married to his best friend and love, Claire (Martin) English for 47 years, entered eternity peacefully at home Wednesday morning, Aug. 7, 2024. He loved the Lord with all his heart, prayed fervently, and shared his faith freely.

Mr. English was born in Alexandria, Va. in 1947 to Howard “Doc” English and Genevieve (Barrios) English. He grew up in Vinton, La., where he graduated from Vinton High School. He joined the United States Air Force in 1966 and was Honorably Discharged in 1970 with the rank of SSgt. During his military service, he received the Air Force Good Conduct medal and the Republic of Vietnam Campaign medal. He received his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of Southwestern Louisiana in 1974. This is where he met his future wife, Claire (Martin) English. They were married in March of 1977 in Morgantown, W.Va.

In 1990, they settled in Vancleave, Miss. It wasn’t too long after that he started a career with the US Army Corp of Engineers in Mobile and retired in 2013.

Mr. English was an active member of Vancleave Assembly of God, was on the Board for several terms, taught Sunday school, became a Commander in the Royal Rangers, and entered into the Frontiersman Camping Fellowship with his son, Lael. He delighted in hearing his daughter, Sadie Grace, sing in church, prayed with her, lovingly called her “Red” and had many a belly laugh with her. He treasured visits with his daughter, Denise, and all of his grandchildren. He opened his arms to the friends of his children and friends of friends and mentored them through their transition into adulthood. He anticipated with excitement visiting with his family, church family and family of friends.

He loved his wife as Christ loved the church. His prayer for her every morning was:

“Father, touch Claire this morning. Give her peace in her heart, health and strength in her body, joy in her spirit. Hold her close and let her feel your presence more and more; more of You, Jesus. Give her wisdom and insight for her day. I pray a hedge of protection around her: keep her from harm, keep her from evil. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.”

He relished studying the Word of God, teaching Sunday School, and praying for their needs. He would be overjoyed after catching up with family reunions. He had many an adventure camping, shooting, storytelling, and birding. He enjoyed cooking and a fresh cup of dark roast coffee. 

He is survived by his wife, Claire (Martin) English; his brothers, Keith English (Gayle White), Brian English, Craig English, Scott English (Patty Middendorf), and Bruce English (Roxanne LeLeux); his children, Denise (Guarisco) Matherne (Earl), Lael English (Michelle Martin), and Sadie Grace (English) Medina; his grandchildren and step-grandchildren, Ean Lundy, Siobaun English, Logan English, Lucien Medina, Jorge Medina, Logan Turner, Reagan Turner, and Margo Matherne; his great-grandchild, Saylor English, as well as many nieces, nephews, grand-nieces, grand-nephews and a community of friends whose lives he touched with his generous spirit and unwavering compassion.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Howard “Doc” English and Genevieve (Barrios) English; two sisters-in-law, Clare (Pickett) English, wife of Brian, and Margaret “Maggie” (Lewis) English, wife of Craig; his nephew, Ryan “Ryan-O” English; and grand-niece, Serenity Grace Watkins.

Friends and family are invited to meet at Vancleave Assembly of God, 11109 MS Hwy 57, Vancleave, MS 39565 beginning at 1 p.m. followed by a Memorial Service and sharing memories at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 17. Bennett Coker Sr will officiate.

Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Douglas Frank English.