Douglas James Peña, of Stockbride, MI, age 66, passed away on May 8, 2025.
He was born in Howell, MI on Dec. 28th, 1958 to Guadalupe G. and Mary Lou (Allen) Peña, becoming the 4th and youngest boy of the family. He would not remain the baby for long, though, as sisters Lori, Patti, Debbi, and later, Kathi, would soon be added to the mix.
A passion for music was instilled in Doug and his siblings early on. Their parents taught them all to sing their bedtime prayers in harmony. At a young age, he and his brothers even sang their dad “Happy Birthday” in 4-part harmony on the loudspeaker at the Army base he was stationed at. Everyone was so impressed that four young kids could sing together that well.
As Doug entered school years, he showed interest in athletics, playing varsity basketball and baseball for Stockbridge High School. He also had an affinity for writing. In highschool, he got ‘A’s’ on all of his papers, and they were always the one the teacher chose to share with the class. He graduated from Stockbridge High School in 1977 and went on to join the workforce.
He was driven to succeed. He would often say, “My dad told me if you’re gonna half-ass the job, don’t do it at all.” And Doug lived that way.
He was a skilled and dedicated mason. He earned the title of Journeyman after working in the bricklaying trade 30+ years. He especially enjoyed working on side projects that challenged his creativity. His favorite to boast was a double-helix chimney he custom designed for a client and mailbox made to match.
Doug was incredibly talented and could do anything he set his mind to. He was able to draw, write, build, sculpt, and paint - anything he could envision, he could create. His greatest love in his life, though, was music. He always had a tune in his head and a song on his lips.
He loved an awesome sunrise, the show Frasier, and his family dearly. He was a fisherman, a dad, a brother, a son, and a friend to many.
He leaves behind his children, Castiel Emrys Peña (Saylor Hendrickson) and Joshua Peña; his siblings: Greg (Corey) Peña, Mike (Kristi) Peña, Joe Peña, Lori (Jim) Sheets, Patti (Craig) Floros, and Debbi Peña. He was preceded in death by his parents, Guadalupe and Mary Lou Peña, and his youngest sister, Kathleen Peña.
May he rest in peace.
A private service will be held at a later date.
Arrangements by Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, Stockbridge.
