Douglas Roy Vermillion

Douglas (Doug) R. Vermillion of Charleston passed away December 31, 2017 after heroic battles with multiple cancers, surrounded by his family. Doug was born on October 17, 1955 and grew up in Kanawha City playing army men, sandlot baseball and riding bikes. He believed he lived the idyllic, iconic childhood with his big “sissy”, Kathy and his adoring parents. At age 15, he learned to play the bass guitar and his lifelong destiny was set. Doug played with a style and enthusiasm that was uniquely his own. Throughout his lifetime he played with numerous bands and admired musicians in WV and NY and was a published and prolific songwriter. He married his best friend and soulmate, Donna in 1976. They lived in NY and moved back to WV in 1980. He then set to follow in his Dad’s footsteps and started a 36-year career at Dupont. They raised one daughter and two sons. Doug had a way of making everyone he met feel they were special and was considered by so many a “brother”. He was a veracious reader as the stacks of books in his home can attest. He was a lover of nature, always making sure the birds and deer were fed. Doug was the ultimate sports fan, knowing every stat or detail of the team or athlete he followed. Doug was a hero to his grandchildren and cherished being “Pawpaw”. He loved indulging his grandson, Khalyl’s love of trains, taking him on many trips to Cass Scenic Railroad. His three young granddaughters, Madison, Emma, and Lilly, were the lights of his life and they many sleepovers helped him endure his treatments. Doug is survived by his wife of 41 years, Donna; daughter, Mikele and two sons, Schuyler (Michele) and Troy (Caitlin), four grandchildren; sister, Kathy; niece, Christy in addition to many extended family members. Doug was preceded in death by his parents, Roy and Mable Vermillion. The family would like to extend a big “thank-you” to the nurses and doctors of the CPICU at CAMC Memorial Hospital for the love and care they provided Doug. Funeral service will be at 11:00am Saturday January 6, 2018 at Bartlett-Chapman Funeral Home, St. Albans with Pastor Lee Swor officiating. Burial will follow in Cunningham Memorial Park, St. Albans. Visitation will be from 5-7pm Friday at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, the family suggest donations, be made to the American Cancer Society. You may share memories of Doug on his tribute page by visiting ChapmanFuneralHomes.com Bartlett-Chapman Funeral Home, family-owned and located at 409 Sixth Avenue, St. Albans is honored to serve the Vermillion family.