Stephen L. Doughty

Stephen Lee Doughty, age 69, passed away at his home in Britton, Michigan on October 25, 2024 with his wife, Lori, by his side.

Stephen was born on February 7, 1955 to Warren and Ruth (Knack) Doughty in Toledo, Ohio. He was raised alongside 6 siblings on the family farm in Petersburg, Michigan and graduated from Summerfield High School in 1973. After many years in the trucking industry, he cultivated a successful career in sales of hook-lift trucks and roll off trailers, holding the position of regional sales manager with Swaploader USA for many years until illness necessitated his retirement. Stephen also took great pride in his military career, joining the Air National Guard in 1982 and retiring in 2003. During his years of service, his deployments took him to many interesting places around the world including Kuwait, England, Germany, and Italy.

Always a hard worker, Stephen was frequently engaged in one or several projects in addition to his employment. These included building the family cabin on Bois Blanc Island and constructing 2 houses - one for his young family in the 1970’s and another for son Mike’s family in 2015. He and Lori had just recently moved into their newly built home in the countryside near Britton, Michigan. A seasoned pilot, he was passionate about flying his Piper Cherokee, especially to and from the island cabin. Following in his father’s footsteps, Stephen took up beekeeping for many years. A lifelong fan of John Deere, he proudly owned the tractor his dad purchased for the family farm in 1947. Most recently, he was looking forward to working on his project car, a 1969 Firebird. After ordering parts all winter, he expected to finally “get the bird back on the road” this past summer. He and Lori owned this car for 45 years. Stephen loved to travel and often told Lori, “Grab your bags, we are going away for the weekend,” always finding a quaint inn or B&B. The couple especially enjoyed their trip to Australia to visit their son, Corey, and daughter-in-law, Tiffany.

Stephen was a loving and devoted husband, father, and grandfather who often remarked how Sunday dinners with the whole family together were his idea of a perfect day. He relished spending time with his only granddaughter, Annabel, showering her with his time and attention. Often spending his lunch hour from work visiting her, he enthusiastically catapulted her around the house in a laundry basket and witnessed her first steps with excitement. Grandpa also gave Annabel her first sip of Pepsi and, while babysitting, constructed a full-size trampoline in the backyard to the surprise of her parents!

He will be fondly remembered by those who knew him for his quick sense of humor and willingness to lend a hand whenever needed.

Stephen was preceded in death by both of his parents and his 3 brothers, David, Randy and Mark Doughty. He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Lori; sons, Mike (Jenny) Doughty and Corey Doughty (Tiffany Kosch); granddaughter, Annabel Doughty; and sisters, Brenda Milks, Ann (Don) Link and Corinne (Jeff) Gorr.

In accordance with Stephen’s wishes, cremation has taken place. Visitation will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Friday, November 15, 2024 at St. Elizabeth’s Catholic Church, 506 N. Union St., Tecumseh, MI. A memorial mass will follow at 12:00 P.M. with lunch provided afterward.

Those wishing to donate in Stephen’s memory are asked to consider Hospice of Lenawee.