Douglas Edward Greeley

Doug died doing what he loved, riding his motorcycle in the open air on a favorite route of his.

Douglas Edward Greeley was born December 29, 1948, in St. Paul, Minnesota to John Edward Greeley and Nora Mae Drake. He spent his childhood in small towns in Minnesota, going to school in a one-room schoolhouse in Stacey and exploring the land with brothers David, Dale, and Don James. Sisters Donna, Doreen, Darleen, Roxie, were born and then came step-siblings, Wes, Gloria, Wallace, and Linda along with step-mom, Melba.

Doug enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1967 and served 3 tours during the Vietnam War.

Doug married Sandra Patraw in 1970. They had two daughters, Tina and Nancy. After the marriage ended, Doug moved to Idaho. He married Jaclyn Downing Smith in 1978 in Boise, Idaho. They also had two daughters, Rebekah and Sarah.

Doug worked as a welder, janitor, and long-haul truck driver. He started D and J Trucking Company and successfully hauled food and supplies millions of miles across the United States over 25 years. He made friends all over the country through the truckers’ network.

In 2010 Doug started working at the Boise VA where he met Barbara Watson. Doug and Barb would spend their golden years together doing things they loved, like camping, hunting, going to church, and riding motorcycles all over Idaho. They rescued two small dogs that became known as “the kids”, Obi-Wan and Leia. They lovingly “adopted” a dear friend, Ronda St. George, and her dog, Connor.

Doug loved riding his motorcycle, spending time with friends and family, and helping others when he could. He was recently thrilled to learn he would soon have a great grandson.

Doug is survived by Barbara, daughters, Tina, Nancy, Rebekah, and Sarah, grandchildren, Andy, Samantha, Nick, Ted, Kaley, Jenna, Ryan, Olivia, Colton, and Noah, siblings, and his father, John. In lieu of flowers, consider donating to your local animal shelter, veterans charity, or charity of your choice.

A committal service with military honors will be held at 9 a.m. on Thursday, August 3, 2023 at the Idaho State Veterans Cemetery.