Douglas Edward “Doug” Estep, Sr.
July 1, 1950 - May 27, 2024
Douglas Edward “Doug” Estep, Sr., age 73, of New Castle, DE, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family on Monday, May 27, 2024.
Born in Bland County, VA on July 1, 1950, he was a son of the late Edmond Paul and Mamie (Parks) Estep. Doug was a graduate of De-La-Warr High School and later of Goldey-Beacom College where he earned his accounting degree. While in High School he met the love of his life Patti. One day before graduating college they married. Just before entering college, he enlisted with the Delaware National Guard. He served proudly for six years and made many life long friends. Doug was the comptroller at Process Industries for several years and worked for Lukens, Bumpers and Sayers, CPA before branching out on his own, a company he owned for over forty-five years. It was here he was truly in his element. His clients became close friends and those relationships he held dear.
In high school Doug was not only a scholar but also a musician and athlete. He was in National Honor Society. Sat first chair in trumpet, a talent he carried for life. He was also an exceptional athlete playing both baseball and running cross country. He continued to play softball into his thirties and even with neighborhood kids when they came knocking on the door. His love for baseball transcended through to our home team of Philadelphia Phillies. He attended many games over the years with friends and family. A little later in life he joined an alumni band reprising his role as trumpet player. He marched in several parades from Disney to the Miss America Pageant, to the Olympic celebrations in Atlanta Georgia and many many more. Doug loved traveling! As a family there were many trips to Florida, Arizona, Las Vegas and the Poconos. He was never without his map of Cracker Barrel Restaurants nationwide. Doug was a member of multiple organizations, such as Maryland Society of Accountants, National Society of Accountants and even serving as President of Delaware Association of Public Accountants. Doug’s zest for life was unparalleled and his quick wit unrivaled. His joy for life was contagious.
In addition to his parents, Doug was preceded in death by his siblings, Billy Estep, Jimmie Estep, Mary Lou Dobies, and Thomas Estep. He is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Patricia Ann (Walker) Estep; children, Doug Estep, Jr. (Angel) and Kristen Estep; grandchildren, Nadia, Michael, Gavin, Arianna, Adeline, and Jameson; sisters-in-law, Barbara and Lisa; and many nieces, nephews, and friends.
A visitation for family and friends will be held from 4 pm until 6 pm on Monday, June 3, 2024, at Spicer-Mullikin Funeral Home, 1000 North DuPont Parkway, New Castle, DE, where a funeral service will begin at 6 pm. Inurnment will be held privately.
Mary (Tibbett) Casper
We are so sorry to hear of Doug’s passing. He was always a really wonderful person. We send our sincere condolences to Patty and their family. May God Bless them all during this very sad time! 🙏🏻💔🙏🏻💔
Regards, Mary and Pete Casper
cathy beazley parkinson
So sorry for your loss patty. We will miss him. He was a very loving and passionate person. He is with the angels and with our Savior.
Bob Hopkins
I was so sorry to hear about Doug’s passing, we worked together for many years at Process Industries and played softball together for a couple of seasons. Patty, please accept my heart felt sympathy for this kind and caring husband of yours! He was the model of a dedicated accountant, tax preparer, friend and coworker. I know in my heart that he was as dedicated a husband, father and grandfather! He will be truly missed by all!!!
Kevin Cassidy
Though I only know him as a client, Doug (and Patty) always treated me like a close friend. I would come into the office and he would put down whatever he was working on and usher me into the back room. In this room filled with drawings from the grandchildren, we would talk about the going-ons in our mutual lives and eventually get down to business. There was never any pressure. I believe Doug truly enjoyed spending this time with each of his clients. It was a pleasure to have that annual catch-up on our lives. I will miss my time with this great man. My condolences to Patty and the kids and everyone else whose lives Doug touched.
Kevin
Donna Estep
Dougie was my second cousin but honestly I always thought of him like a big brother or my funny Uncle. his joking around and laughter were the best….whenever we would see each other we would laugh till our stomachs hurt, EVERY time! I recall many family picnics at Otis and Kathleen’s house as a very young girl and watching him and Jimmie and my Dad just laugh hysterically and play ball in the yard, grilling food, playing pranks on each other. I loved Dougie very much and told him so every time I saw him….i will miss his sweet face and laughing eyes forever. RIP ❤️ you are very loved. Donna
Dave Christian
God speed Doug- we had one hell of a good time playing ball at Process in the early 80’s! Condolences to all your loved ones. Dave
Renee Estep-Parkins
My heart felt condolences go out to Patti, Doug, and Kristen for your loss. It was not often that we all gathered together as a family, but I remember fun summer BBQ’s at Barbara and Jimmie’s home. I will share a poem that brought me comfort when my mom passed suddenly last year.
“A Limb has fallen from the family tree. I keep hearing a voice that says,
Grieve not for me. Remember the best times, the laughter, the song.
The good life I lived while I was strong.
Continue my heritage, I’m counting on you. Keep smiling and surely the sun will shine through. My mind is at ease,
my soul is at rest. Remembering all, how
I truly was blessed. Continue traditions,
no matter how small. Go on with your life don’t worry about falls. I miss you all dearly so keep up your chin.
Until the day comes that we’re together again.”
Julie Estep
So sorry to hear of Doug’s passing he was my cousin we never hit yo see much of each other since we were kids but our love for family never wavered My thoughts and prayers are with his family. May God comfort you at this time. RIP Doug ❤️🙏🏼❤️
Louise Smith
I am very sorry to learn of Doug’s passing. I offer all of his family my sincere condolence.
Louise Smith
Delphine
Patti I am sending my sincere condolences to you and your family. I only known Mr. Doug for the 9 years I worked here but anytime I had to come over to your office he was kind and had something funny to say. That is what I enjoyed about him the most. I am sending prayers for you and your family.
Mara Depace
Dear Doug and Patty, I know Doug was your best friend and your family have special relationships with him. He took care of me and my business for over 15 years I’m so grateful for him and his humor he knew his business and helped the small business owner like myself and many others god bless him he is at peace I wish heartfelt condolences to you and your family he will be greatly missed and was so loved rest in peace Doug , from Mara and my sons on behalf of Villa Sorrento God bless You .
Mara DePace
Thank You Doug and Patty for all your years of service to me and my business you both together have a incredible business that still carries on today thru your family Doug was a teacher and a great friend and father God bless you both and you family thru this difficult time ❤️ love Mara Villa Sorrento ❤️🙋🏻♀️✝️
Jim and Gail Brooks
Patti and “Kids”,
We’re so sorry to hear of Doug’s passing and send our warmest condolences to your family — as Doug would say, his “most valuable asset”. He was a great Lead Trumpet and my personal mentor in the DeLaWarr Band and we shared may memories of holiday parades, football game halftime shows, and our spirited “Charge” bugle call.
He was one of our top cross-country runners and always encouraged those of us “following in his footsteps”. Thanks, Doug, for touching so many lives with your words, your humor, and your common sense.
Baseball? You were awesome. I guess that’s why a speedster like you never showed up for Track practice.
May the Lord watch over you all, Jim and Gail Brooks, DLW 1969
Larry Estep
Sending our sympathy and condolences to the Estep family
Larry & Barb Estep