Wayne Laverne Douglas

Wayne Laverne Douglas, 85, of Green Oaks Assisted Living in Valparaiso, Indiana, and formerly of Hobart, Indiana, passed away peacefully on Monday, December 8, 2025, surrounded by his daughters. He was born in 1940 in Gary, Indiana, to the late Laverne Raymond Douglas and Laurine Mildred Luchene. A proud member of the Calumet High School Class of 1959, Wayne built a long and dedicated career as a Commercial Truck Driver. He was also a member of the Freemasons and took great pride in supporting the Shriners Children’s Hospitals by transporting young patients to their appointments. Wayne had a lifelong passion for model trains, classic cars, and coin collecting. Known for his friendly nature, he never met a stranger and enjoyed striking up a conversation with anyone willing to listen. During his time at Green Oaks Assisted Living, Wayne developed many cherished friendships. His daughters extend their heartfelt gratitude to the entire staff for the kindness, care, and sense of belonging they provided, making Green Oaks a true home for him. Wayne is survived by his daughters, Nancy (Allan) Frederick, Judy (Brian) Keller, Laura (Ralph) Tharp, and Jennifer (Jerry) Dowell; daughter-in-law, Donna Beres; his siblings, Linda (PeeWee) Williams, Dick (Nancy) Luchene, Dorothy (John) Mocko, Paul (Diana) Douglas, Betsey (Steve) Bowie, and John Douglas; his grandchildren, Jason (Nicole) Farley, Jess Farley, Sean McIntire, Kristin (John), Emma and Audrey Tharp, Dakotah and Cheyanne Dowell, and Jacob, Margaret, and Kaleb Beres; and his great-grandchildren, Isabella, Ethan, Phoenix, Colton, Jaxson, Sandra, Parker, Bentley, Jonathan, Astoria, Joseph, and Donovan. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews. Wayne was preceded in death by his loving wife, Carolyn Ann (Muskin) Douglas, in 2001; his son, Donald Beres; and brothers, Jimmy and Billy Luchene. A Celebration of Life will be held Sunday, December 14, 2025, from 2:30-4:30 PM at Cornerstone Community Church, 605 S. Maple St., Kouts, Indiana. In lieu of flowers, please make a charitable donation in his name to Shriners Children’s Hospitals, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or any local animal shelter. Burns Funeral Home & Crematory entrusted with arrangements. www.BurnsFuneral.com