Douglas Tennyson Stave's Obituary
Douglas Tennyson Stave was an extraordinary man who led a remarkable life. He was born April 17, 1931 in Mount Vernon, Washington to Olaf "OT" and Alice Stave. As a young child he lived in Stanwood, Washington where OT owned a gas/service station. He had siblings. His sister, Corrine, was born second and died at 16 months when Doug was 4 in a tragic car accident. Allene was born when Doug was 8 years old. Later, along came David, who was born when Doug was 13. In 1945 the family moved to Mt. Vernon, WA.
Doug graduated from Mt. Vernon High school in 1949. He attended and graduated from Multnomah School of the Bible. He then attended Eastern Montana College of Education. He received his Bachelor’s of Education later from Seattle Pacific College. He attended Western Baptist Seminary and eventually was an ordained minister. He received a Master’s and Doctorate of Education from The University of Oregon.
Doug was blessed to marry H. Joyce on July 15, 1961. Over the next 15 years they were blessed with five children and spouses: Andrew (Yukiko), Lisa (Mike), Mick (Joyce), Jodi (Craig), and Tim (Jayna). He is survived by his wife, his five children and their spouses, and their 9 grandchildren: Matt, Bethany (Jordan), Kaitlin, Emily, Kyle, Rachel, Kevin, Sarah, Michael, and one great-grandchild, Lincoln.
Doug has had many careers which can be divided into three categories: teaching, pastoring, and administration. Some highlights have been teaching at Dryden Public School, Multnomah, Judson College, Western Baptist Seminary, Union Biblical Seminary in India as a missionary, Northern State College in South Dakota, Pacific Lutheran University, and online at Ashford University. His pastoring has included Oretown Church, Graham Covenant, Park Avenue Covenant in Minnesota, Martha Lake Covenant, Temple Baptist in Everett, and Tacoma Praise Covenant along with many interim pastorates around the Northwest and Minnesota. As an administrator, he served in the Pierce County School District, Northwestern College as Dean of Education, Seattle Pacific University, and as President of Cascade Bible Institute. He also had numerous adventures in Real Estate, owning several commercial properties. He invested time and money to many family and friends through business ventures and also dabbled in inventing, music composing, and publication. He built and remodeled houses.
Doug enjoyed volunteering for Kiwanis International, where he served for 43 years as lieutenant governor, President, and International Chairman. He volunteered his services as a Board Member of the Mukilteo School District for three years. He was a charter member for South Hill YMCA where a bench is named in his honor. Music was always a passion and he taught himself how to play organ, piano, ukulele, accordion, musical glasses, and enjoyed singing. He loved sharing his musical talents in schools, churches, retirement centers, and basically wherever someone would listen.
Everything in Doug’s life was centered around his passion for his Lord, his wife, family, friends, and just about anyone he came in contact with. These last few years when asked, “How are you, Doug?” He would answer, “Better than I deserve.” He knew his legacy and life was a gift of grace from His precious Jesus.
Doug will be laid to rest in a private ceremony at Mountain View Memorial Park, Lakewood.
To ensure the health and safety of our community, we are following all guidelines set by local, state and CDC officials. Please contact the funeral home with any questions and we encourage friends and families to check back for service updates.
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