MOUNT VERNON – Douglas M. Thibaut, 54, a lifelong resident of Mount Vernon, took his final ride on the train of life and safely reached Heaven on Wednesday, Sept. 7, 2022. Doug will be fondly remembered by friends and loved ones for his great sense of humor and love of corny jokes, passion for trains, and for being a loyal fan of the Cleveland Indians (Guardians), Ohio State football and Columbus Blue Jackets.
Although small in stature, he had a generous heart of gold and a sustaining faith that allowed him to overcome many health challenges due to complications from juvenile diabetes. He had great empathy for fellow sufferers and was quick to enlist others to pray for them. A loyal listener and supporter of WNZR, the radio station indeed became his lifeline as illness forced him to stay at home often.
Doug was a 1986 graduate of the Knox County Joint Vocational School telecommunications program. He worked for Gudenkauf from 1987-1993. After losing his eyesight from diabetes, he worked part-time for Dr. Barry Reppart’s Harcourt Veterinary Clinic.
He was preceded in death by his wife, the Rev. Diane Cook; and his father, who was his traveling baseball buddy, Raymond E.Thibaut. He was also preceded in death by his faithful guide dog companions Mack and Holly. Sienna is currently living her best life as a retired guide dog with Robb and Sharon Blaydes.
Doug is survived by his mother and kidney donor, Eileen Thibaut of Mount Vernon; his brother, Raymond (Becky) Thibaut of Kenton; and his sister, Linda (John) McBride of Fort Worth, TX. Also surviving are nieces and nephews: Katy (Will) Flinn, Molly Thibaut, J.P. McBride, Sarah(Zach) Mokry, Daniel and Laura McBride, and David and Lisa Cook; and great-niece Molly Flinn. Pennsy and Chessie, his beloved tabby cats, also survive.
The Thibaut family owes a great debt of gratitude to Doug’s loving, faithful and generous friends, including Robb and Sharon Blaydes, Pam Hale, Christine Yoe and her family, and Randy White.
Members of Thrall #170 Masonic Lodge, Mt. Zion #9 Masonic Lodge, Baldwin Shrine Club, and Knox Chapter #236 Order of the Ohio Eastern Star were Doug’s chosen second family. Doug held several officer positions through the years of his involvement including Worthy Patron and Chaplain. Ed and Jan Cosby, Ron and Stephanie Mahring were like adopted brothers to him. Janet White and Sam Williams were also near and dear to his heart. Doug was a long-time member of the Lion’s Club.
Thanks to The Laurels and Kindred Hospice for easing Doug’s transition to his heavenly home. Special thanks to Becky Hayes, his Ohio Eastern Star sister, for being his guardian angel while at The Laurels. We are indebted to the transplant team at The Ohio State University Medical Center for granting us many extra years to enjoy having Doug in our lives.
The family will receive friends from 2 p.m. until the time of a funeral service at 3 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 16, at the Snyder Funeral Homes, Dowds Chapel, 201 Newark Road, Mount Vernon. Masonic and Eastern Star memorial service swill be held at the beginning of the funeral service. A private burial will be held in Mound View Cemetery.
Memorial Contributions may be made to Pilot Dogs, Inc., Shriners Children’s Hospital, or WNZR.
To share a memory or send the family an expression of sympathy visit www.snyderfuneralhomes.com.
The Snyder Funeral Homes, Dowds Chapel is honored to serve the family of Douglas M. Thibaut.
