Douglas W. “Doug” Mulligan passed away on September 13 in Bassett at the age of 79.
He w as b orn o n O ctober 7 , 1 946, i n Valentine, to John Joseph Mulligan Jr. and Bernys Marie (Lovejoy) Mulligan. He grew up alongside his sister, Betty and brother, Bob.
Doug attended kindergarten in Norden before attending the first through eighth grades at District #7, north of Ainsworth.
He spent his freshmen and sophomore years at Ainsworth High School, where he played football and participated in track. For his junior and senior years, he attended Valentine High School, where he was active in FFA livestock judging and continued pursuing one of the great passions of his youth—rodeo. Doug’s love for rodeo began at a young age. He started calf roping at Meadville, alongside his brother and fellow cowboys, D ale L ewis, D ean A dcock, B us S wan, P unk W orth, M arvin Blake and Fim Marshall. By the eighth grade, he had won a pair of Crockett s purs. D uring h is h igh s chool y ears, D oug c ompeted i n c alf roping, steer wrestling and bareback riding. His talent, hard work and determination took him all the way to Ogallala for the 1965 National High School Finals. He placed second in the state, sixth in the nation and second in the average—an accomplishment that was a proud part of his rodeo years.
In January of 1966, Doug entered the United States Army. He completed basic training at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, followed by advanced training at Fort Bliss, Texas, before being stationed in Germany.
Following his discharge from the Army, Doug returned home and went to w ork f or h is d ad. H e l ater w orked f or W ilbur D rybed b efore beginning a nine-year career with Circle Y. He then worked for Budweiser for three years before returning to Circle Y, where he remained until 1994. He later spent three years working for the Morgan’s. Throughout the years that followed, Doug continued doing the kind of work that suited him well. He worked on several ranches throughout the Valentine and Ainsworth area and also worked for Daniels Manufacturing. He later served as the Brown County Weed Superintendent for more than 10 years. Doug’s many years of work reflected the strong work ethic and dedication that were a part of who he was throughout his life.
Life had another special chapter waiting for Doug. In February of 2023, he met his last love, Darleen Hopkins. Their relationship quickly became something very special, and on October 21, 2023, they were married in Bassett. Doug had a huge heart. He loved so many people throughout h is l ife, a nd i n r eturn, h e w as l oved b y s o m any. T he friendships and relationships he built over the years were a reflection of the kind of man he was. Whether someone knew him though family, work, rodeo, or simply as a friend, Doug has a way of l eaving a l asting place in their heart.
He is survived by his loving wife Darleen; his children Michael (Leanne) Mulligan and Ryan (Heather) Mulligan; his grandchildren and great-grandchildren; many nieces, nephews, and numerous other family members a nd f riends w ho w ill m iss h im d early. A lso t hose w ho w ill deeply miss Doug are Natalie (Kenny) Furrow and their children, with whom Doug shared a very special bond for many years.
From the young cowboy who found his love for rodeo, to the soldier who served his country, to the hardworking man who spent a lifetime building friendships and loving those around him. Doug lived a full life. Above all else, he will be remembered for his huge heart, the many people he loved, and the many people who loved him in return. His life touched many, and his memory will live on in the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing and loving him.
A memorial service was held on Saturday, September 19, in the Bassett Methodist Church with Pastor Andrea Schadel officiating at the event.
The music selections of “Angels Among Us” by Alabama, “Amazing Grace” by Alan Jackson, “Fairest Lord Jesus” by Amy Grant and “Amarillo By M orning a nd “ The C owboy R ides A way” b y G eorge S trait w ere played. The obituary was read by Kenneth Eggers. Committal Service was held in the Mt. Hope Cemetery at Wood Lake with military honors by Wood Lake American Legion Post #202. Memorials were suggested to the family for a future designation. Hoch Funeral Home of Bassett was in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.hochfuneralhome.com.