Douglas Leroy Dehart

Douglas LeRoy DeHart, 68, of Topeka, passed away peacefully in his home
on Wednesday, February 7, 2024.

He was born July 27, 1955, in Topeka, Kansas, the son of Lester and Doris
(Allen) DeHart.

He attended high school in Topeka and was a lifelong resident. After high
school, Doug joined the United States Marine Corps and proudly served from
1972-1976. He was honorably discharged and left his time in service with
memories of his brothers in arms that he often spoke fondly of. After service,
he went on to work for Allis-Chalmers and Goodyear and in 1985 graduated
from barber school. Following his passion, he started working at the Sardou
Barber Shop and purchased it soon after. Doug was known to make house
calls to his elderly and disabled clients who couldn't make it into the shop. He
loved serving them and bringing them donuts when he stopped by. Doug
owned the barber shop until 1995 when he sold it to his best friend, Kelly. He
left that chapter of his life having made numerous friends and incredible
memories. He later worked for AAA as a wrecker driver and Blue Cross Blue
Shield of Kansas for several years until he medically retired.

On November 6, 1981, he married Diane Carol Essman (later divorced). He
was previously a member of the National Guard and American Legion Post
400. Doug was a Seward Avenue Baptist Church member for many years and
served as a leader within the congregation. Most recently he attended
Northland Christian Church.

As a young man, he loved boxing and briefly fought semi-pro locally. Doug
also enjoyed riding and rebuilding Harleys. He and Kayla rode in the annual
Harley Davidson MDA ride as often as possible when she was younger. He
loved rebuilding and trading classic cars. Cruise Night was a very fond
pastime for him! He enjoyed finding antiques, collectibles, and deals at garage
sales and would get excited when he could find something cool for someone
he knew. He loved spending time doing this with his granddaughter and his
brother. He was a huge KU fan and greatly enjoyed rubbing it in to his
mother-in-law when they would beat K-State. He always cheered for the
Chiefs and looked forward to watching the games with his family. Doug spent
many weekends camping, riding go-karts, and enjoying numerous activities
and hobbies with his family and friends.

Doug was known for the ability to make friends anywhere he went even under
circumstances that would usually be difficult to do so. He could strike up a
conversation with anyone! He will be remembered as a man who was willing
to help anyone he could and would give his last if he thought it would ease the
burdens of another. He always wanted to show God's love through the way he
loved others and was incredibly successful in doing so.

Doug is preceded in death by his parents; sister, Linda Hendrix; brothers
Jimmie DeHart and Billy DeHart; his niece, Lesley Lange; his former wife and
mother of his children, Diane DeHart; his father-in-law, Samuel Essman; his
mother-in-law, Virginia Essman, his brothers-in-law, Terry Essman and Randy
Essman and his dear friend/chosen brother, Mike Price.

He is survived by his children, Kayla (William A.) DeHart-Cox and Samuel
DeHart; his grandchildren, Aaralyn DeHart, Savanah Reeves, Brayden Cox
and William Douglas Cox; his brothers, Rick (Linda) DeHart, Randy DeHart
and Roger DeHart; brothers-in-law, Ben Essman and Keith Essman;
sister-in-law, Crystal Essman; his best friends and chosen brothers in this life,
Larry Barnes and Kelly Stansbury and many nieces and nephews who he
loved greatly.

A celebration of life will be held 2:00 pm-4:00 pm on Saturday, February 24,
2024 at the American Legion Post 400, 3029 US-24, Topeka, Ks 66618.
Military honors will take place at 2:30 pm in honor of his service in the Marine
Corps. Memorial contributions may be made to Kayla DeHart-Cox to help set
up care for his son, Samuel, and sent to Parker Price-Davidson Funeral
Home, 245 NW Independence Ave., Topeka, Kansas 66608.

To share a memory of Doug or leave a special message for his family, please
visit the guestbook below.