In Memory of Sam Dougan ’48
Obituary for Samuel W. Dougan ’48
Born April 16, 1923 in Beaver Dam, Wisconsin. Son of Erwin and Nina (Andrews) Dougan. Died January 21, 2021. Samuel has been a resident of Tucson since 1956. He is predeceased by his devoted wife, Christie (Yates) and first wife Jeanne (Daisy), as well as brother, H. D. High school completed in 1940, attended Ripon College 1 year, and then enlisted in the Army. He served his entire 4 years of World War II; participating in the invasion of N. Africa (Western Task Force-1942) and Sicily-1943. Sam accumulated 7 campaign stars: Algeria-French Morocco, Sicily, Naples-Foggia, Rome-Arno, South France, Rhineland and Central Europe, plus sharing in a unit citation. Sam returned to Ripon College, graduated in 1948 with an ROTC commission and was assigned to the 84th Airborne Infantry Reserve Division.
Sam’s family had a military heritage. His grandfather, also Samuel W. Dougan, was a wounded veteran, 5th Minnesota Infantry of the Civil War and a member of the “100 man” Company C, the reinforcements who rescued Ft. Ridgely during the Sioux Uprising. Great Uncle Charles Andrews, 29th Wisconsin Infantry died of wounds received at the Battle of Ft. Gibson, Mississippi-also Civil War. Brother H.D. did Army service in Burma. Great-great grandfather William Carskaden, 4th New York Infantry, fought during the Revolutionary War under General Mad Anthony Wayne.
Sam embarked on a teaching career earning an M.S. Degree at the University of Wisconsin, Madison in 1954. He enjoyed 34 years educating youth in grades 8-12, 27 years teaching at Amphitheater School District. He was recognized by the University of Arizona for leadership in their student teaching program, as well as a Cadre member of statewide instructional teachers-demonstration team. His community involvement included amateur (Corral) theatre, past president of Tucson Stamp Club, team bowling, and showing Scottish Terriers (including a Champion). A consummate philatelist, he volunteered at the Postal History Foundation, sponsored a school stamp club, exhibited at stamp shows, and authored magazine articles on Postal History. For many years Sam served on many committees and ushered at St. Philip’s in the Hills Church.
Christie and Sam enjoyed foreign travel, particularly to Europe and Canada. A physical fitness devotee he followed a regular schedule of workouts (25 years at El Conquistador CC) and daily walks with his late Scottie pal, Bailey.
Suggested contributions to Ripon College, 300 Seward St., Ripon, Wisconsin 54979-0248 or the Postal History Foundation at 920 N. 1st Ave., Tucson, AZ 85719
Wishing my former students, Colleagues and friends the very best!
Sam W. Dougan
Obituary summary featured in the Ripon Magazine:
SAMUEL W. DOUGAN ’48 of Tucson, Arizona, died Jan. 21, 2021. At Ripon, he majored in history, was a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon/Delta Sigma Psi and was commissioned through ROTC. He later was a class agent and a charter member of Partners in the Legacy. He served in the Army during World War II. After earning a master’s degree in education from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, he taught youths in grades 8-12 for 34 years. He was recognized by the University of Arizona for leadership in their student teaching program. He was involved in community theatre, the Tucson Stamp Club and related activities, team bowling, and showing Scottish terriers. He was an active member of St. Philip’s in the Hills Church and enjoyed traveling and physical fitness.