Douglas Alan Steed
Douglas Alan Steed, affectionately known as Dougie, was born in 1953 in Savannah, Georgia to William Vansant Steed and Joanna Holeman Steed.
He passed away early Thursday morning the 16th of December, 2021, at his favorite place in the world — his hunting camp outside of Jackson, Mississippi — with his lifelong friend, Mike Deville, by his side.
In 1965 his family moved to Ruston for his father’s engineering career. The second oldest of five siblings, two sisters and two brothers, Doug grew up roaming the Forest Circle neighborhood with friends often alarming his mom and dad for getting lost or causing (mostly innocent) ruckus.
Doug attended Ruston High School and then attained an engineering degree at Louisiana Tech, where he met his wife, a wonderful New Orleans girl, Lynda Ann Guillot. The two were married in October of 1976 and had two daughters, Shannon Steed Sigler, and Emily Steed Pullin.
Doug began his career at Monroe Engineering in Monroe. He later became a partner at WPS Industries, with close friends Mike, Jerry and Tony Clark. Doug was beloved by his coworkers and clients. He was the “people person” in the company and was always making people feel welcomed and valued with his sense of humor and genuine, outgoing personality.
Doug continued working part time after retirement because of his deep connection to clients and his earnest inability to sit still. Doug valued responsibility, character, and friendship, and he modeled all of these things in his life and work. He maintained lifelong connections with childhood and college friends which they celebrated in annual fishing and hunting trips.
He was an excellent businessman, an avid hunter and golfer, grillmaster, and an amateur comedian for his family and friends. He was fortunate enough to attend and delight in the Masters golf tournament for many years, entertaining clients and friends. Alongside his sharp mind, he had a soft and compassionate heart. He would cry at movies and give big hugs to his children and grandchildren.
He loved music — especially the Eagles — and taught his daughters Beatles lyrics from a young age. His daughters remember him as jokester, Halloween-facepainter, musical advisor, word-inventor, basketball coach, anxiety comforter, financial consultant, and beloved father.
His wife remembers him as her soulmate, best friend, and love of her life. He is remembered by his siblings as kid brother, mentor, loyal sidekick, fun-loving friend, lover of mischief, brave leader, wise comforter, slightly taller, and best big brother in the world.
His friends remembered him as “the glue,” storyteller, the curator of fellowship, life of the party, unforgettable, hardworking and humble friend.
Doug’s Christian faith was important to him, and he always valued every day that God gave him to live among us, and always reminded us to be grateful for the days we all have. He will be missed every day, in so many ways, by all of those whose lives he touched.
Douglas Alan Steed is survived by his wife, Lynda Guillot Steed; daughters, Shannon Steed Sigler and husband Matt, and Emily Steed Pullin and husband Matt; his siblings, William Vansant Steed, Jr. and wife Kathy, Nancy Steed McIntyre and husband Bill, Janice Steed Melancon and husband Curtis, and John Blake Steed and wife Laura; and his beloved grandsons, Eli Jackson Sigler, Henry Douglas Pullin, and Sam Wesley Pullin along with a multitude of nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be held on Monday the 20th of December at 2 p.m. at Trinity United Methodist Church under the direction of Kilpatrick Funeral Home of Ruston with Rev. Doug DeGraffenreid and Rev. Brian Mercer officiating.
Visitation will be prior to the service beginning at 12:30 p.m.
Mike Clark, Mike Deville, Larry Wilson, Joel Ross, John Steed and Van Steed will serve as pallbearers. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Trinity United Methodist Church or the charitable organization of your choice. Condolences may be extended to the family at www.kilpatrickfuneralhomes.com.
