Douglas W. Sonntag

Douglas W. Sonntag, age 69, of Nixa, MO, passed away May 7, 2016 suddenly at his home from multiple health issues. He was born and lived most of his life in Kansas. He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Grace, three sons (all Eagle Scouts), Jacob (Trisha)and family of St. Robert, MO, Kristopher (Leigh) and family of Nixa, Daris "Doc" (Nancy) and family of Elk River, MN; 15 grandchildren; a sister Mary Jane Sommerfield and family of Phoenix AZ; a cousin Tami Bowen and family of Springfield, MO and many other cousins. Doug is preceded in death by his parents, Jack and Marie, a brother J.H. "Sonny", a sister-in-law Joan, and brother-in-law Michael Sommerfield; aunts and uncles. Doug made many friends while growing up and working around Penokee, KS, the UPRR; as a game warden, later appointed Assistant Secretary of Operations for the KS Department of Wildlife and Parks; as Field Director for Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation of Missouri, Arkansas, Iowa and Illinois, and as a Police Service Representative for the Springfield Police. Doug was an avid outdoorsman. He taught hunter safety, was a Boy Scout leader, and was past Grand Knight for Knights of Columbus, St. Joseph the Worker, past president of the Finley River Fine Art Society of Ozark. He was an accomplished blue grass banjo musician and knife maker. Doug was self-taught and a leader. He held a master's degree from Friends University. He loved to teach and make people laugh. Services will be held at a later date near Penokee, Kansas. Cremation was under the direction of Adams Funeral Home, Ozark.