Douglass R. Nowling, age 99, passed peacefully at home with family by his side on March 15, 2026 in Ypsilanti, Michigan. Doug was born October 13, 1926 in Indianapolis, Indiana to John D. and Margaret C. (Clarke) Nowling. He moved to Wayne, Michigan at the age of 16 and later settled in Ypsilanti, where he graduated from Ypsilanti High School in 1944.

While still in high school, Doug began working at Schill Tire Co., located at 317 W. Michigan Avenue. His dedication and work ethic led him to eventually become the owner of the business in 1965, operating it until it closed in 1989. In addition to running the tire shop, Doug worked as an industrial truck repairman at GM Hydra-Matic beginning in 1978 until his retirement in 1991.

On July 9, 1945, he married Doris Mae Phillips in Ypsilanti, Michigan. They shared a loving marriage of over 80 years.

Doug was a faithful member of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church for 73 years, where he served as an usher for 13 years and volunteered for funeral dinners. He enjoyed spending time with fellow members of the UAW retirees' group and was a regular at the Ypsilanti Township Senior Center, where he enjoyed playing bingo. He also liked making occasional trips to the casino and was an avid Detroit Red Wings fan.

Doug is survived by his beloved wife, Doris Mae Nowling; children, Gary (Linda) Nowling, Nancy Dugas, John (Vickie) Nowling, James (Lois) Nowling, and William (Elizabeth) Nowling; grandchildren, Diane Groves, Jessica (John) Kennedy, Stacie (Angela) Dugas, Sharon Watson, Leigh Ann Kubacki, Timothy (Nicole) Nowling, Basil Nowling, Anya Nowling, and Roman Nowling; great-grandchildren, Ashley (Jake), Ryan, Andrew (Shannon), Hannah (Jason), Grace (Kyle), Dylan, Caden, MacKenzie, Noelle, Olivia, and Charlotte; and great-great-grandchildren, Jack, John, Matthew, Walker, and Mila.

He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Margaret Nowling; brothers, Jack (Hazel) Nowling and Phillip (Pat) Nowling; grandchildren, Scott Dugas, Shane Nowling, and Stephanie Nowling (Michael Fritz); great-granddaughter, Emma Watson/Nowling; and son-in-law, Frank Dugas.

A funeral service will be held 3 pm Friday, March 20, 2026 at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church. In state to begin at 2 pm. Doug will be inurned at St. John the Baptist Catholic Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. John the Baptist Catholic Church or Arbor Hospice .