La Verne Says Goodbye to WWII Hero William Douthett
William Douthett
William Louis Douthett, a long time resident of La Verne, passed away on March 10, 2013 at the age of 91. William was a decorated and dedicated veteran and served in the 1st Marine Division in the South Pacific in WWII. In May 2012 he was honored by the Post 12034 Band of Brothers and La Verne's Chamber of Commerce where they presented him with an American flag outside of his home.
William (Bill) was born in New Kensington, Pennsylvania on July 5, 1921 and was the eldest son of William Louis Douthett Sr. and Anna Elizabeth Boyden. The Douthett family lived in both Pennsylvania and Missouri before permanently residing in the Los Angeles area. Bill attended John Marshall High School where he met his high school sweetheart and wife of nearly 60 years, Margaret (Maggie) McFarland. The couple wed on August 16, 1942 in Oceanside Calif., only months before Bill went overseas for training. Serving as a private, and later a corporal, Bill landed on the islands of New Britain, Peleliu, and Okinawa and wrote home frequently to Maggie who was working as a telephone operator.
Following the war, Bill and Maggie settled back into life in Los Angeles. Bill was employed with the Aluminum Company of America as a tool and die maker when Maggie gave birth to her first child Steven. Bill and Maggie later had three more children: Linda, Scott, and James. The family lived in Pico Rivera. Bill coached little league, enjoyed golf, and participated in a bowling league with coworkers from ALCOA. He retired from the company after 33 years of employment.
After the children were grown and left the house, Bill and Maggie moved to their final place of residence in La Verne in 1972. Bill's patriotism was evident on both the inside and outside of the home. He collected eagle statues that he displayed throughout, and always had a large American flag hanging outside. Bill passed away in his home on Sunday surrounded by family. He leaves behind a very proud family consisting of a brother, four children, and nine grandchildren.
A memorial service is being held at the Veteran's Hall this Saturday March 16 at 10 a.m. for anyone who would like to attend.
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