Douglas D. East

Douglas D. East, age 96, of Raytown, MO, passed away on November 22, 2025, at his home.

Doug was born in Independence, MO, on December 18, 1928, to Major T. East and Esther C. (Dauve) East he was an only child. As a young boy he developed a love of hunting and fishing, interests that became lifelong passions.

In 1952, Doug was drafted into the U.S. Army, trained as a truck mechanic, and honorably discharged two years later with the rank of Corporal. After returning to Kansas City, he married his longtime girlfriend, Dorothy Virginia “Ginger” Hetrick. They shared 55 years of marriage until her passing in 2009.

Doug began his working life as a union motion picture projectionist. After his Army service, he attended Electronics School (CTI), which helped him secure a better paying career and got a job at Western Electric (later AT&T) in Lee’s Summit, MO. He worked there until his retirement in 1989.

Retirement, however, didn’t last long for Doug. At age 60, he joined Novatech in Lenexa, KS, where he continued to work for more than three decades and was still employed at the time of his passing. Doug made it clear, even at 96, that he was not ready to retire. He held many roles at Novatech over the years and even outlasted the founders and managers who hired him. His most fulfilling work involved troubleshooting and repairing electronic circuit boards, finally using the skills he had learned so many years earlier at CTI.

For about 15 years, one of Doug’s greatest joys was taking weekend camping and fishing trips to Truman Lake with his former AT&T buddies. They would enjoy the outdoors away from responsibilities and recharge surrounded by friends and nature, truly his happy place.

Men from his generation had backbones of steel and character to match. He never complained, never requested a handicap permit and refused to park in retired spots at church. Choosing to walk however far in any weather to the places he went. He was honest, hard working, never took shortcuts or big risks in life but was humble and content with what he had, living within his means.

For the past 36 years, Doug had the joy of being embraced by his son’s extended family, a large, loving group that often gathered 30 or more for birthdays, holidays, anniversaries, and random summertime events. Those celebrations were filled with food, laughter, and remembered by countless photos of Doug enjoying being part of this crazy family, seeing his enjoyment brought joy to us all.

Doug and Ginger had one son, David, who is married to Margarita. They have two sons, Kyle and Sean. Kyle is married to Joanna and together they have a daughter, Sophie with another daughter expected in February 2026. Sean recently got engaged with Rachel and they are planning their wedding early next year. We are grateful that Doug was able to meet his great-granddaughter, and future daughter-in-law, and join in several four generation photos that we will cherish forever.

Funeral details TBD...