January 18, 2021, 77, La Grange –

Douglas Eugene Rouse, 77, crossed the threshold of life to rest in his eternal home in the heavens on Monday, January 18, 2021. Doug was born in Harnett County to the late Frank and Blanche Barfield Rouse on April 28, 1943.

For most of his life, Doug resided in Wattsburg, Pennsylvania. There, he met a beautiful 18-year old lady that would soon become his wife. After a short 10-month courtship, Roberta Seely became Mrs. Douglas Rouse and the two enjoyed a wonderful marriage of 53 years. Doug loved his wife unconditionally, and the two were practically inseparable. Much like Linus and his blanket, the two were stuck together like glue.

Employed as a welder, Doug worked for 25 years with General Electric in the Locomotive division. In his time away from work, the outdoors called his name. Whether hunting or fishing, any time spent outside made for a good day. Tending to his beagles brought much joy, but nothing compared to time spent on his John Deere tractor cutting grass. He loved his time on the mower so much, he’d cut the grass twice a week whether it needed it or not.

With a deep faith, Doug worshiped with the congregation of Lowville United Methodist Church in Wattsburg, PA for over 40 years. As snowbirds, Doug and Roberta would spend the winters in North Carolina, where Sharon United Methodist Church became their worship family away from home.

As a family, Doug and Roberta and their three girls took yearly excursions to Snow Hill to spend time with family. The trip with all the extended family to Myrtle Beach, was one of his favorite vacations. Spending time near the water was priceless. Sitting on the pier watching the waves go by or enjoying the uniqueness of the people passing was all he needed for an enjoyable day.

In retirement, the two made their home in La Grange to enjoy a slower-paced life. Though hunting and fishing trips were not to be had, Doug made great use of his time enjoying nature through bird watching and listening to his favorite bluegrass and country music artists. With a good Western on the TV, Doug could offer you the punchline before it was ever stated. No matter the Western that was on, he was bound to have seen it before—maybe even dozens of times.

With a great love for his family, Doug adored the titles of “Mister”, husband, “Daddy” and “Papa”. His children and grandchildren reveled in the warmth of his laughter, compassion, and love.

Doug leaves behind his dearly loved wife, Roberta Rouse; his daughters and their spouses who he loved as his own sons, Jodie and Ward Daugherty, Karrie and Jason Chimera, and Dawn and Marty Raffensberger; grandchildren, Abbie Chimera, Carlie Chimera, and Lincoln Raffensberger; brother and sister-in-law, Danny “David” and Linda Smith; a God-son, Shawn Michael Wentling; as well as many extended family members and great friends.

In addition to his parents, Doug was preceded in death by his siblings, George “Bud” Rouse, Mercel “Jimmy” Rouse, Gladys Jones, Francis “Mattie” Reichard, Zeally Edward Rouse, and Tom Rouse.

The Rouse family is having a small private service at Sharon United Methodist Church in Kinston, NC.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.rousefh.com. Arrangements are entrusted to Rouse Funeral Home, La Grange.