Douglas Gray Murdoch

Douglas Gray Murdoch, 90, of South Haven, passed away Thursday, December 8, 2016 at The Inn at Freedom Village in Holland. He was born September 21, 1926 to James and Katherine (Davis) Murdoch in Streator, Illinois. Doug honorably served his country in the United States Navy during World War II on the USS Topeka. He married Mary Lou Cogdal on July 8, 1950 at the McDowell Church in Casco Township and shared 66 years of marriage.

Following his service, Doug continued his education and earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Education from Western Michigan University and Masters Degree in Education from the University of Michigan. He taught in Tecumseh, Michigan and at West Ottawa High School in Holland, teaching history and later becoming assistant principal and principal before his retirement in 1981.

Following his retirement, he and Mary Lou owned and operated the Murdoch Nursery in Casco Township. Doug and Mary Lou enjoyed spending their winters in Florida. He also loved golf. He was a member of the Casco United Methodist Church.

He is preceded in death by siblings – James, George, and John Murdoch and Lucille Reinhart.

Doug is survived by his wife – Mary Lou Murdoch, children – Jan (Rick) Vanderploeg of Holland, Jim (Lou) Murdoch of Richardson, Texas, and Jack (Deb) Murdoch of Holland, five grandchildren – Mishel (Eric) Langdon, Jake (Sarah) Vanderploeg, Rachel (Josh) Birkholz, James (Nyly) Murdoch, and Mary (Jeff) Wernette, ten great grandchildren, and brother – Robert (Judy) Murdoch of Cloverport, Kentucky.

Visitation will be held from 4:00 PM to 6:30 PM on Tuesday, December 13, 2016 at the Filbrandt Family Funeral Home of South Haven. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM on Wednesday, December 14, 2016 at the Casco United Methodist Church with Pastors Don Graham and George Fleming officiating. Doug will be laid to rest at McDowell Cemetery in Casco Township. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in his memory to the Casco United Methodist Church, 880 66th Street, South Haven, Michigan 49090 or to Casco Township Park and Recreation, 7104 107th Avenue, South Haven, Michigan 49090.