Lewis L. Doughton

Lewis L. Doughton, Jr, age 86 of McMurray, PA passed away on August 12, 2020. Born on December 2, 1933 in Birmingham Alabama. He was the son of the late Lewis L. and Elizabeth E. Doughton. Beloved husband to Vira M. Doughton. Loving father to Vira A. Doughton and David L. (Karen) Doughton. Cherished grandfather to Brandon L. and Ryan L. Doughton. Dear brother to Elizabeth (William) Davis. Loving uncle to Thomas A. (Susan) Greulich, Jr., Elizabeth (Kevin) Gilleland and Margie (Michael) Morris.

Lewis was born in Birmingham Alabama and he never lost that southern gentleman charm. His family moved to Wilmington, DE when he was sixteen. He graduated from Wilmington Delaware Friends School in 1952. Many of his classmates remained friends throughout his life. He began his college career at the University of Virginia then transferred to University of Pittsburgh when his family moved to Pittsburgh. He was an active member of the SAE fraternity and has met with fellow alumni for breakfast once a month. It was at Pitt that he met his wife Vira and shared 60 years of happy marriage and their children, Vira and David.

Lew’s lifelong career was in the insurance industry. He owned his own insurance agency for many years then joined Liberty Insurance Agency. He loved golf and was a member of St. Clair Country Club for many years. Rotary International was important to him as a member of Pittsburgh Rotary while his office was downtown. Boating was a special part of his active life and he enjoyed membership in the South Hills Power Squadron. He was interested in old cars and owned several throughout his lifetime. He was a self-made handyman who always had some project in the works at home or at his son or daughter’s house when he visited. Lew was a valued member of the Board of the former Western Center in Canonsburg. In later years he became a strong contributing member of the Board to restore Canonsburg Lake and was devoted to that cause.

Lew had the quality of putting other people first before himself. This, plus being principled, forthright and loyal made him many friends throughout his life. He could always see good in every person. Many of his friendships from high school, college and in the work world and social life were always part of his life. Lew was a neighbor to be counted on and never hesitated to help when he could.

The best way to describe Lew is all the personal tributes and comments that came from many people who knew him throughout his whole life.

Some of these include: “He enriched our lives,” “He was our ‘go to man’ when we had a problem,” “He was always the best of the best,” “I considered him a pillar of the Cranmoor community. He will be missed for his kind and gentle nature, his smile, his insurance expertise.” “He has contributed a lot to our community over many years.” “He was a great friend and a true gentleman.” “He loved life and spread happiness to many,” “Someone to be counted on.” “One of the kindest persons I have ever known. It was a special privilege to have known him.” “Your father was an ambassador for honestly, decency and kindness.” “He was a special person and will be missed by all who knew him personally and in business.”  “Always had a positive twist on any topic.” “Your dad was a wonderful man and I wish more were like him.” “He loved his family. He was a truly positive person and spread that positivity everywhere he went.”

Lew was clearly cherished by his family and appreciated by so many and will be greatly missed.

A gathering of family and friends will be held on Friday, August 21, 2020 from 4 PM – 8 PM at Pittsburgh Cremation and Funeral Care, 3287 Washington Road, McMurray, PA 15317, (724) 260-5546. A private memorial service will be held on Saturday, August 22, 2020 at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be mailed to Canonsburg Lake Restoration and Improvement Association C/o Deanna Krugh, Treas., 1534 Grandin Ave, Dormont, PA 15216 or online at savecanonsburglake.org. Please visit the website canonsburglake.org and view the history of Canonsburg lake to see why Lew was so dedicated to the cause for restoring the lake. It is enjoyed by so many people and there is an abundance of wildlife that depends upon the lake.