Doug was born in Winslow, Arizona to Bendrew and Clorice (Gibbons) Rhoton on February 6, 1939. Doug graduated from Winslow High School and received his Bachelor’s degree in Education from Arizona State College which later became Northern Arizona University. He subsequently earned his Masters degree in Secondary Education and Administration also from Northern Arizona University.

Doug was called on a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He was one of the first missionaries called to proselyte in Santiago Chili.

After his mission Doug returned to school at Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff Arizona, where he met his bride Lorna Palmer. They married June 19, 1964, in the Mesa Arizona Temple.

Doug was a student teacher in Show Low Arizona until he accepted a teaching position in Bullhead City, Arizona. He worked for the Bullhead City, Arizona School District from 1969 until he retired in 2000. He then moved across the river and taught at Laughlin Unified School District until 2005 when he permanently retired and moved to Dallas, Oregon.

Doug enlisted in the Army National Guard before his marriage. He re-enlisted in the early 1980’s, amid great protestations from Lorna. He was honorably discharged October 1995 as a Chief Warrant Office 3.

Doug loved sports and enjoyed coaching and refereeing local Bullhead City teams. He also enjoyed and taught woodworking, fishing, and his chickens.

Doug is survived by his children Douglas L., Duana, Rick, Tony and TeriDawn; his brothers Wayne, Darwin and Terry and two sisters Vergene and Nalene. He was predeceased by his parents Bendrew and Clorice and one brother Edward. Doug has 23 grandchildren, 34 great grandchildren, and 1 great, great, grandchild.

Doug died peacefully in his sleep with his family surrounding him.

A visitation will be held Saturday, March 4, 2023 at 9:00am at Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1401 SW 13th St, Dallas, Oregon, immediately followed by his funeral service starting at 10:00am. Graveside dedication will follow at the Dallas Cemetery, 2065 SW Fairview Ave, Dallas, Oregon, and is joinable through Live Stream. Military honors will be presented at the cemetery by the United States Army.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.hed-fh.com for the Rhoton family.