DOUGLAS MAYES

LAMAR- A public memorial service will be held from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 9, at the Lamar City Park, for Douglas Edward Mayes, 68, who died August 24, 2023 at Truman Healthcare and Rehab in Lamar, after a battle with cancer. A private family committal service will be held afterwards at Iantha Cemetery.

Mr. Mayes was born March 27, 1955 in Kansas City, Kan., to Edmond “Eddie” Richard Mayes and Beatrice “Bea” Olivia Rives Mayes, both of whom preceded him in death as did his infant daughter, Heather Mayes.

Mr. Mayes was raised in Kansas City, Kan., attending Rosedale and Washington High Schools. While many thought he should be in school or working, he chose to go on adventures which included picking apples in Washington and hitchhiking. He followed his heart to travel and got to see lots of this great country. Some may have felt he had some crazy ideas, but in hindsight, he got to see and do things many just dream of doing. What a long strange trip it's been!

After his wanderlust waned, he ended up in Iantha, where his mom had moved after his dad died. He married Venus Berry and they later divorced. To this union were born four children: Edmond E. “Zeke” Mayes, Zechariah Levi Mayes, Job David Mayes and Heather Mayes.

He worked for Cox Sawmill and Williams Sawmill and was a logger. He could play many instruments, the main one of which was the guitar. He wrote poems. He wrote music and songs that could bring you to tears and he had a voice that made you keep listening no matter what he was singing. He made jewelry, loved nature, fishing, rocks and hunting arrowheads.

He enjoyed eating out at El Caballos, especially their chile rellenos. He loved to read, especially the Bible which he knew inside and out. He was saved at a young age and knew where he was going. He never knew a stranger. He had plenty of stories to tell to anyone who would listen.

He would be the first to admit he had a substance abuse problem and would acknowledge most of his failures were due to his addictions. He had his moments when his demons got the best of him, but he was always remorseful and tried to be better the next day.

He is survived by his three sons, Zeke, Levi and Job (Brandie) and his three grandchildren, Nadia, Zayn and Jaden. Also, sisters Iris Walker (Butch), Mary Coon, Linda Richards, Debbie Nims (Walt), Carol Ummel (Jeff) and brother, Barry Mayes. He is also survived by his aunt, Jean Rives Foster and numerous nieces and nephews. He was loved by many and will be missed.

The family would like to thank Truman Healthcare and Rehab and Compassus for the care they gave Doug.