Douglas Lee Bart, 81, of Grand Rapids, Michigan, went to his heavenly home on September 11, 2026. Doug was a proud graduate of Ottawa Hills High School and Western Michigan University who served as a radio telephone operator in the Vietnam War. Doug taught shop class and coached basketball at Wyoming Park High School and, following his teaching career, worked for Keeler Brass, where he learned the ins and outs of the automotive industry and gained the knowledge and network to join DDC Sales Associates along with his partners Art Romence and Bob Niemec. Doug enjoyed fishing, especially in Alaska and Minnesota, woodworking, reading, golfing, the Detroit Tigers, and making maple syrup at his "sugar shack" on Sylvan Lake in Newaygo, which was his respite for many weekends and summers. Doug's family and friends will remember him as a champion of the underdog with a large heart and generous spirit.

Doug is preceded in death by his parents Robert and Celia, twin brothers Kraig (Bonnie) and Keith (Bobbie and Lynda), loved ones Nancy and Christian VandenBerg, and Kyle and Jade Kingma. Doug is survived by his brother Michael (Debbie), nieces and nephews Alan, Matt, and Eric Bart, Kevin (Lynne) and Kirk (Jamie) Bart, Kim (Onno) DeWit, Todd (Terri Ann) Bart, and Penni (Tommy) Stahl, loved ones Kimberly (John) Magruder, Mitch and Karey Bart (Alyssa, Jenna, Curtis, Becky), Katherine Cramer, Scott VandenBerg, Anne Hansen, and many friends and colleagues.

Zaagman Memorial Chapel (2800 Burton St. SE, Grand Rapids, MI) will host a visitation from 6:00-8:00 PM on Friday, September 18, and 1:00-2:00 PM on Saturday, September 19, with a memorial service led by Pastor Bill Johnson beginning at 2:00 PM. Following the service, friends and relatives are invited to celebrate Doug's life at Shepard's Grill & Tavern (6246 28th St. SE, Grand Rapids, MI).

Doug's family and friends are grateful for the loving care he received from so many at Trinity Health Grand Rapids Hospital, Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital, Calvin Speech & Hearing Clinic, Heather Hills, and Trillium Woods. In lieu of flowers, please make any donations in Doug's memory to Mary Free Bed Foundation or Calvin University - Speech & Hearing Clinic .